Transmission apparatus and reception apparatus

ABSTRACT

Via a mobile communication network, a transmission apparatus receives position information representing a current position of a reception apparatus. Based on the received position information, the transmission apparatus generates notice data indicating that it is necessary to correct preprogrammed program information identifying a program which has been preprogrammed for viewing or preprogrammed for recording and being generated at the reception apparatus, and transmits the generated notice data to the reception apparatus. Accordingly, a transmission apparatus is provided which generates information that allows preprogramming of a broadcast program for viewing or recording to be properly performed at the reception apparatus side, or which generates a correct broadcast program table, and transmits the generated information or program table to the reception apparatus.

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.10/243,743, filed Sep. 16, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,054,592.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a transmission apparatus and areception apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates toa transmission apparatus for generating and transmitting information ora program table which is necessary for a preprogrammed recording orpreprogrammed viewing, and a reception apparatus which enables apreprogrammed recording or preprogrammed viewing of broadcast programsor which is capable of receiving program information.

2. Description of the Background Art

Conventional broadcast stations may sometimes transmit programinformation representing a broadcast program table (EPG (ElectricProgram Guide)) in order to facilitate preprogramming of a broadcastprogram for recording. Furthermore, various techniques have beenproposed to improve the ease of using such program information. Forexample, a certain reception apparatus records information identifyingbroadcast programs which have been recorded through preprogramming inthe past. By referring to such recording information, the receptionapparatus calculates the frequency with which a broadcast program hasbeen recorded through preprogramming. Furthermore, by using thecalculated frequencies, the reception apparatus gives orders ofprecedence to the broadcast programs which are described in the programinformation. More specifically, higher orders of precedence are given tobroadcast programs that are associated with higher frequencies.Thereafter, the reception apparatus generates and displays a broadcastprogram table for users, which lists broadcast programs in accordancewith their orders of precedence.

In general, broadcast programs are transmitted toward a receptionapparatus which is within a predetermined broadcast area. A plurality ofadjoining broadcast areas may have broadcast programs of differentcontents being transmitted therein, even for the same time zone. Even ifbroadcast programs of the same content are being transmit in the sametime zone in a plurality of broadcast areas, such broadcast programs maybe being transmitted through different channels.

In recent years, mobile communication devices are becoming capable ofreceiving and reproducing broadcast programs as the aforementionedreception apparatuses, and even preprogramming of broadcast programs forviewing or recording. A mobile communication device is typically amobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), and more broadlyincludes a notebook-type personal computer. Such a mobile communicationdevice, when borne by a user, can be freely moved between a plurality ofbroadcast areas. Therefore, even if a broadcast program is preprogrammedfor viewing or preprogrammed for recording, the preprogramming of aviewing or a preprogrammed recording may be valid in one broadcast areabut moot in another broadcast area. More specifically, if a mobilecommunication device is located in a different broadcast area, it maynot be possible for a user to view or record an intended broadcastprogram.

Moreover, even if a mobile communication device successfully generates abroadcast program table which is directed to an individual user, thegenerated broadcast program table may be valid in one broadcast area butmay be moot in another broadcast area. More specifically, it is possiblethat the generated broadcast program table does not properly describe achannel, start time, and end time of a broadcast program which isprovided in the other broadcast area.

As will be apparent from the above, the conventional preprogramming of aviewing or preprogramming of a recording, or the conventional generationof a broadcast program table, has a problem in that it is not suitablefor mobile communication devices which can be freely moved between aplurality of broadcast areas.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide atransmission apparatus which generates information, or a properbroadcast program table, that enables the proper preprogramming of abroadcast program for viewing or recording at a reception apparatus, andtransmits the information or program table to the reception apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a receptionapparatus which is capable of proper preprogramming of a broadcastprogram for viewing or recording, or displaying a proper broadcastprogram table, even in the case where it is possible to freely movebetween a plurality of broadcast areas.

In order to attain the above objects, a first aspect of the presentinvention is directed to a transmission apparatus which is capable ofcommunicating with a reception apparatus which is constructed to becapable of receiving a program within a broadcast area. The transmissionapparatus comprises a reception section for receiving positioninformation indicating a current position of the reception apparatus; ageneration section for, based on the position information received bythe reception section, generating notice data indicating that it isnecessary to correct preprogrammed program information identifying aprogram which has been preprogrammed for viewing or preprogrammed forrecording and being generated at the reception apparatus, or forgenerating a personal program table which is specific to a user of thereception apparatus; and a transmission section for transmitting thenotice data or the personal program table generated by the generationsection to the reception apparatus.

In order to attain the other object described above, a second aspect ofthe present invention is directed to a reception apparatus which isconstructed to be capable of receiving a broadcast program and capableof communicating with a transmission apparatus which providesinformation concerning the broadcast program. The reception apparatuscomprises a transmission section for transmitting position informationindicating a current position to the transmission apparatus. Based onthe position information transmitted from the transmission section, thetransmission apparatus generates notice data indicating that it isnecessary to correct preprogrammed program information identifying aprogram which has been preprogrammed for viewing or preprogrammed forrecording and being generated at the reception apparatus, or thetransmission apparatus generates a personal program table which isspecific to a user of the reception apparatus, and transmits thegenerated notice data or personal program table to the receptionapparatus. The reception apparatus further comprises a reception sectionfor receiving the notice data or personal program table transmitted fromthe transmission apparatus, and an output section for outputting thenotice data or personal program table received by the reception section.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall structure of adata communication system according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating time zones TP₁ to TP₃, duringwhich a broadcast station 3 ₁ in FIG. 1 transmits programs P₁ to P₃ anda broadcast station 3 ₂ transmits programs P₄, P₅ and P₁.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating program tables PG₁ and PG₂,which are generated in connection with the programs P₁ to P₅ in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an overall structure of areception apparatus 1 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure of adetermination request R_(D) which is transmitted by a receptionapparatus 1 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure which isperformed by a processor 116 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating preprogrammed programinformation I_(RP) which is stored in a preprogramming storage section113 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an overall structure of atransmission apparatus 2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a program DB28 which is stored in a program DB storage section 23 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure which isperformed by a processor 25 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure of noticedata D_(WP) or D_(WA) which is generated during the process of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a first variant processing procedureof a processor 116 shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a first variant processing procedureof a processor 25 shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data structure of noticedata D_(WP) or D_(WA) which is generated during the process of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a command C_(RR) which istransmitted from a transmission apparatus 2 in FIG. 1 to a videorecording apparatus 6.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a second variant processingprocedure of a processor 116 shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a second variant processingprocedure of a processor 25 shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image displayed on adisplay device 15 in accordance with image data D_(NAP) which isgenerated during the process of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall structure of adata communication system according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating time zones TP₁ to TP₄,during which broadcast stations 8 ₁ to 8 ₄ in FIG. 19 transmit programsP₁ to P₉.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating program tables PG₁ to PG₄,which are generated in connection with programs P₁ to P₉ in FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating an overall structure of areception apparatus 6 in FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of aprocessor 63 in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating an overall structure of atransmission apparatus 7 in FIG. 19.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of aprocessor 73 in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary area recordR_(AR) which is stored in a program DB storage section 23 shown in FIG.24.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating a personal program tableUPG₁ or UPG₂ generated by a processor 73 in FIG. 24.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram illustrating a personal program tableUPG₁ or UPG₂ displayed by a display device 15 in FIG. 22.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a variant of the process which isperformed by a processor 73 in FIG. 24.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating a personal program tableUPG₁ or UPG₂ which is generated by the process of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a datacommunication system according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a process which isperformed by the data communication system shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed structure of eachbroadcast station 103 shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of a processwhich is performed by each broadcast station 103 in FIG. 31.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating schedule information I_(sch)which is transmitted by each broadcast station 103 in FIG. 31 to atransmission apparatus 102.

FIG. 36 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed structure of atransmission apparatus 102 shown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of aprogram DB stored in a transmission apparatus 102 in FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of apersonal information DB stored in a transmission apparatus 102 in FIG.36.

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary structure ofprogram viewing priority PL stored in a transmission apparatus 102 inFIG. 36.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a programselection which is executed by a transmission apparatus 102 in FIG. 36.

FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram for explaining an exemplary programselection process in FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram exemplifying a personal program table UPGwhich is generated by a transmission apparatus 102 in FIG. 36.

FIG. 43 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed structure of areception apparatus 101 in FIG. 31.

FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary displayed imageof a personal program table UPG on a reception apparatus 101 in FIG. 31.

FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram illustrating title image data D_(TYI) andtitle music data D_(TYA) which can be added to the personal programtable UPG by a transmission apparatus 102 in FIG. 36.

FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary displayed imageof title image data D_(TYI) and title music data D_(TYA) in FIG. 45 on areception apparatus 101.

FIG. 47 is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure ofpreprogrammed program information I_(RP) which is generated by areception apparatus 101 in FIG. 43.

FIG. 48 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary structure ofschedule information I_(sch), including a recommended program RP,transmitted from a broadcast station 103 in FIG. 31.

FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a programselection section 2008 according to a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 50 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary personalprogram table UPG which is generated by a process performed by a programselection section 2008 in FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a programselection section 2008 according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 52 is a schematic diagram illustrating a searched extent in aprogram DB during a process of FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary personalprogram table UPG which is generated by a process of FIG. 51.

FIG. 54 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary displayed imageof a personal program table UPG on a reception apparatus 101 accordingto the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 55 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a process which isperformed by a data communication system according to a sixth embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 56 is a schematic diagram illustrating an outline of a processwhich is performed by a reception apparatus 101 according to the sixthembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall structure of adata communication system according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention. In FIG. 1, the data communication system comprises at leastone reception apparatus 1, at least one transmission apparatus 2, andtwo broadcast stations 3 ₁ and 3 ₂, which are exemplary of a pluralityof broadcast stations.

First, the broadcast stations 3 ₁ and 3 ₂ will be described. By using abroadcast channel CH₁, the broadcast station 3 ₁ broadcasts, toward anarea A₁, three programs P₁, P₂, and P₃ having different contents (e.g.,a news program, a documentary program, and a sports program), which areexemplary of a plurality of programs, and which are multiplexedtypically onto a transport stream.

The broadcast channel CH₁ is a frequency band which is preassigned tothe broadcast station 3 ₁. The area A₁ is defined as an extent rangewithin which the reception apparatus 1 is capable of receiving thebroadcast programs P₁ to P₃ from the broadcast station 3 ₁. Generallyspeaking, the area A₁ is determined by the intensity of the transmissionwave from the broadcast station 3 ₁.

As shown in FIG. 2, the programs P₁ to P₃ are broadcast in scheduled andnon-overlapping time zones TP₁ to TP₃, respectively. For the sake ofexplanation, it is conveniently assumed that the time zones TP₁ to TP₃are substantially contiguous along the time axis. The time zone TP₁ isbetween a time T₁, at which the broadcast of the program P₁ begins, anda time T₂, at which the broadcast is over. The time zone TP₂ is betweena broadcast start time T₂ of the program P₂ and a broadcast end time T₃thereof. The time zone TP₃ is between a broadcast start time T₃ of theprogram P₃ and a broadcast end time T₄ thereof Program codes PC₁ to PC₃are respectively assigned to the programs P₁ to P₃ so as to allow themto be uniquely identified (see FIG. 3). As described later, the programcodes PC₁ to PC₃ are used when the reception apparatus 1 handlespreprogramming of a viewing or preprogramming of a recording.

The broadcast station 3 ₁ shown in FIG. 1 transmits a program table(time table) PG₁ to the transmission apparatus 2 over a communicationnetwork 4, such as the Internet. Herein, as shown in FIG. 3, the programtable represents schedules, e.g., EPGs (Electric Program Guides), of theprograms P₁ to P₃ which are broadcast by the broadcast station 3 ₁, andthe program table PG₁ contains the broadcast channel CH₁ and threeinformation sets IS₁ to IS₃. An area code AC₁ uniquely identifying thearea A₁ may be contained in the program table PG₁ instead of thebroadcast channel CH₁. The information set IS₁ is composed of a programtitle PT₁, the time zone TP₁, and the program code PC₁ of the programP₁. Although omitted from FIG. 3, the information set IS₂ is composed ofa program title PT₂, the time zone TP₂, and the program code PC₂ of theprogram P₂; and the information set IS₃ is composed of a program titlePT₃, the time zone TP₃, and the program code PC₃ of the program P₃.

As shown in FIG. 1, by using a broadcast channel CH₂, the broadcaststation 3 ₂ broadcasts programs P₄, P₅ and P₁ having different contents,which are exemplary of a plurality of programs, toward an area A₂.

The broadcast channel CH₂, which is preassigned to the broadcast station3 ₂, is a frequency band that is different from the aforementionedbroadcast channel CH₁. The area A₂, which is an extent range withinwhich the reception apparatus 1 is capable of receiving the broadcastprograms P₄, P₅ and P₁ from the broadcast station 3 ₂, covers an extentthat is different from the aforementioned area A₁, and substantiallyadjoins the area A₁. The area A₂ is generally determined by theintensity of the transmission wave from the broadcast station 3 ₂.

For the sake of explanation of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2,it is assumed that the programs P₄, P₅ and P₁ are broadcast in thescheduled and non-overlapping time zones TP₁, TP₂, and TP₃,respectively. The first embodiment also assumes that the broadcastprograms P₂ and P₃ from the broadcast station 3 ₁ are not broadcast fromthe broadcast station 3 ₂. Note that the program P₁ is transmitted bythe broadcast stations 3 ₁ and 3 ₂ in the respectively different timezones TP₁ and TP₃. For the programs P₄ and P₅, program codes PC₄and PC₅are assigned, which can uniquely identify them and are further used forpreprogramming of a viewing or the like by the reception apparatus 1.Note that the aforementioned program code PC₁ is used for the broadcastprogram P₁ from the broadcast station 3 ₂.

As shown in FIG. 1, the broadcast station 3 ₂ transmits a program table(time table) PG₂ representing the schedules of the programs P₄, P₅ andP₁, which are broadcast by the broadcast station 3 ₂ itself, to thetransmission apparatus 2 via the communication network 4. Herein, theprogram table PG₂ has a data structure which is similar to that of theprogram table PG₁, and the program table PG₂ contains a broadcastchannel CH₂ and information sets IS₄ to IS₆, as shown in FIG. 3. As isthe case with the program table PG₁, an area code AC₂ uniquelyidentifying the area A₂ may be contained in the program table PG₂,instead of the broadcast channel CH₂. The information set IS₆ iscomposed of the program title PT₁, the time zone TP₃, and the programcode PC₁ of the program P₁. Although omitted from FIG. 3, theinformation set IS₄ is composed of a program title PT₄, the time zoneTP₁, and the program code PC₄ of the program P₄; and the information setIS₅ is composed of a program title PT₅, the time zone TP₂, and theprogram code PC₅ of the program P₅.

In FIG. 1, the reception apparatus 1 is a mobile communication devicewhich can be freely moved between the plurality of areas A₁ and A₂ ascarried by a user. The reception apparatus 1 is constructed so as to becapable, at the currently located area A₁ or A₂, of receiving theprograms P₁ to P₃ or the programs P₄, P₅ and P₁, which are broadcast bythe broadcast station 3 ₁ or 3 ₂, respectively. Furthermore, from amongthe programs P₁ to P₅ which can be received by the reception apparatus1, the reception apparatus 1 reproduces or records those which have beenpreprogrammed for viewing or recording by the user.

In order to realize the above functions, as shown in FIG. 4, thereception apparatus 1 comprises an antenna 11, a tuner 12, a programreproduction section 13, an image switching section 14, a display device15, an audio switching section 16, an audio output section 17, anantenna 18, a wireless communication section 19, a CODEC 110, a controlsection 111, an input device 112, a preprogramming storage section 113,and a program storage section 114.

The antenna 11 receives broadcast waves on the broadcast channels CH₁and CH₂, and outputs the received waves to the tuner 12. The tuner 12sets the broadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂ as designated by a control signalS_(CH) from the control section 111. Furthermore, the tuner 12downconverts and/or demodulates the broadcast wave from the broadcastchannel CH₁ or CH₂ having been set, and reproduces a transport stream ina digital format, which is outputted to the program reproduction section13 or the control section 111. Out of the transport stream from thetuner 12, the program reproduction section 13 reproduces video dataD_(V) and audio data D_(A) representing one of the received programs P₁to P₅. The program reproduction section 13 outputs the reproduced videodata D_(V) to the image switching section 14, and outputs the reproducedaudio data D_(A) to the audio switching section 16. Furthermore, atransport stream which has been read from the program storage section114 by the control section 111 is inputted to the program reproductionsection 13. From the inputted transport stream, the program reproductionsection 13 reproduces video data D_(V) and audio data D_(A) representingone of the received programs P₁ to P₅, outputs the reproduced video dataD_(V) to the image switching section 14, and outputs the reproducedaudio data D_(A) to the audio switching section 16. The programreproduction section 13 realizes such switching of the input line inaccordance with a control signal S_(SA) from the control section 111.

Other than the video data D_(V) from the program reproduction section13, notice data D_(WP) from the control section 111 may be inputted tothe image switching section 14. The notice data D_(WP) contains textdata or image data (see FIG. 11) representing an alert message which atleast indicates that it is necessary to correct preprogrammed programinformation I_(RP). In response to a control signal S_(SB) from thecontrol section 111, the image switching section 14 selects either theprogram reproduction section 13 or the control section 111, and outputsthe video data D_(V) or the notice data D_(WP) which is inputted fromthe selected section to the display device 15. The display device 15outputs video constituting one of the received programs P₁ to P₅ inaccordance with the inputted video data D_(V), or outputs an alertmessage which is expressed in the form of a text or image in accordancewith the inputted notice data D_(WP).

Other than the audio data D_(A) from the program reproduction section13, notice data D_(WA) from the control section 111 may be inputted tothe audio switching section 16. The notice data D_(WA) at least containsaudio data (see FIG. 11) representing an alert message which at leastindicates that it is necessary to correct the preprogrammed programinformation I_(RP). In response to a control signal S_(SC) from thecontrol section 111, the audio switching section 16 selects either theprogram reproduction section 13 or the control section 111, and outputsthe audio data D_(A) or the notice data D_(WA) which is inputted fromthe selected section to the audio output section 17. The audio outputsection 17 outputs audio constituting one of the received programs P₁ toP₅ in accordance with the inputted audio data D_(A), or outputs an alertmessage which is expressed in an audio form in accordance with theinputted notice data D_(WA).

Referring to FIG. 4, in the area A₁ or A₂ in which the receptionapparatus 1 is capable of moving, the antenna 18 receives a highfrequency signal from one of the base stations accommodated in themobile communication network 5. Although various information ismultiplexed and superimposed onto this high frequency signal, what isnecessary for the sake of the first embodiment is the positioninformation CP₁ or CP₂ for identifying the current position of thereception apparatus 1 and the aforementioned notice data D_(WP) orD_(WA). For conciseness of explanation, it is assumed that the positioninformation CP₁ is sent from a base station which is accommodated in thearea A₁, and that the position information CP₂ is sent from a basestation in the area A₂. Moreover, the notice data D_(WP) or D_(WA) issent from a base station in the area A₂. The antenna 18 outputs the highfrequency signal as such to the wireless communication section 19.

The wireless communication section 19 performs processes such asdownconversion and demodulation for the high frequency signal outputtedfrom the antenna 18. As a result, the wireless communication section 19reproduces the multiplex signal in the base band, and outputs themultiplex signal to the CODEC 110. This multiplex signal has variousinformation multiplexed thereon. From the inputted multiplex signal, theCODEC 110 separates the position information CP₁ or CP₂ and the noticedata D_(WP) or D_(WA) directed to the reception apparatus 1, and outputsthese to the control section 111.

The CODEC 110 further multiplexes a determination request R_(D) which isgenerated by the control section 111 onto the multiplex signal. Herein,the determination request R_(D) is information for requesting thetransmission apparatus 2 to determine whether it is necessary to correctthe preprogrammed program information I_(RP) due to a movement of thereception apparatus 1, and the determination request R_(D) at leastcontains either the position information CP₁ and CP₂, the broadcastchannel CH₁ or CH₂, and one of the program codes PC₁ to PC₅, as shown inFIG. 5. The wireless communication section 19 performs a modulationprocess and superimposes the multiplex signal from the CODEC 110 ontothe high frequency signal, which is sent onto the mobile communicationnetwork 5 via the antenna 18.

In order to perform various processes which are necessary for apreprogrammed viewing or a preprogrammed recording, the control section111 includes a program memory 115, a processor 116, and a working area117. The program memory 115 stores a computer program (simply shown as“program” in FIG. 4) 118 for controlling the elements of the receptionapparatus 1. The processor 116 performs the computer program 118 assuch. The detailed processes which are performed by the processor 116will be specifically described later with reference to a flowchart ofFIG. 6. The working area 117 is used by the processor 116 during theexecution of the computer program 118.

The input device 112 is operated by the user. By operating the inputdevice 112, the user inputs information which is necessary for apreprogrammed viewing or preprogrammed recording. For example, in thecase where the user performs a preprogrammed viewing or preprogrammedrecording in the area A₁, the program table PG₁ is employed. Morespecifically, the user operates the input device 112 to designate one ofthe program codes PC₁ to PC₃ described in the program table PG₁ whichthe user desires to preprogram for viewing or recording. As a result,the input device 112 outputs the designated one of the program codes PC₁to PC₃ to the control section 111. In the case where the user performs apreprogrammed viewing or preprogrammed recording in the area A₂, theuser designates program code PC₄, PC₅ or PC₁ described in the programtable PG₂.

The preprogramming storage section 113 stores preprogrammed programinformation I_(RP) for identifying those of the programs P₁ to P₅ whichhave been chosen by the user for preprogramming of a viewing orpreprogrammed recording.

As shown in FIG. 7, the preprogrammed program information I_(RP)contains a number of preprogrammed program records R_(RP). Onepreprogrammed program record R_(RP) is generated for each preprogrammingof a viewing or preprogrammed recording. Each preprogrammed programrecord R_(RP) is composed of at least a broadcast channel field F_(CH),a start time field F_(ST), an end time field F_(ET), a program codefield F_(PC), and a flag field F_(FL). The channel CH₁ or CH₂, on whichone of the programs P₁ to P₅ which is preprogrammed for viewing orpreprogrammed for recording is broadcast, is described in the broadcastchannel field F_(CH). A broadcast start time and a broadcast end time ofone of the programs P₁ to P₅ which is preprogrammed for viewing orpreprogrammed for recording are described in the start time field F_(ST)and the end time field F_(ET). The program code PC₁ to PC₅ of therelevant program P₁ to P₅ is described in the program code field F_(PC).A flag indicating whether the relevant one of the programs P₁ to P₅ ispreprogrammed for viewing or preprogrammed for recording is described inthe flag field F_(FL). In the first embodiment, “0” or “1” is describedin the flag field F_(FL), where “0” means preprogramming of a viewingand 1 means preprogramming of a recording. Although described in moredetail later, the preprogrammed program record R_(RP) is generated bythe control section 111 and stored in the preprogramming storage section113. FIG. 7 exemplifies the preprogrammed program information I_(RP) inthe case where the program P₁, which is broadcast in the area A₁, ispreprogrammed for viewing. In this preprogrammed program informationI_(RP), the broadcast channel CH₁ is described in the broadcast channelfield F_(CH); the time T₁ is described in the broadcast start time fieldF_(ST); the time T₂ is described in the broadcast end time field F_(ET);the program code PC₁ is described in the program code field F_(PC); and“0” is described in the flag field F_(FL).

The program storage section 114 stores a transport stream constitutingthose of the programs P₁ to P₅ which have been recorded throughpreprogramming.

In FIG. 1, the transmission apparatus 2 receives the program table PG₁from the broadcast station 3 ₁ and the program table PG₂ from thebroadcast station 3 ₂ via the communication network 4, and stores them.Furthermore, in response to the determination request R_(D) from thereception apparatus 1, the transmission apparatus 2 performs adetermination process which is unique to the first embodiment. Morespecifically, the transmission apparatus 2 determines whether or not itis necessary to correct the preprogrammed program information I_(RP)which is currently stored in the reception apparatus 1. To this end, thetransmission apparatus 2 determines whether or not the program code(s)PC₁ to PC₅ in the received determination request R_(D) is/are describedin the program table PG₂ from the broadcast station 3 ₂, which coversthe area A₂. If is the program code(s) is/are described in the programtable PG₂, the transmission apparatus 2 generates either theaforementioned notice data D_(WP) or the notice data D_(WA) indicatingwhether or not the preprogrammed program information I_(RP) needs to becorrected, and returns this to the reception apparatus 1. Otherwise,either the notice data D_(WP) or the notice data D_(WA) indicating thatthe correction thereof is unnecessary is generated and transmitted tothe reception apparatus 1.

In order to realize such a function, as shown in FIG. 8, thetransmission apparatus 2 comprises a transmission/reception section 21,a control section 22, and a program DB storage section 23.

The transmission/reception section 21 is constructed so as to be capableof receiving data from both the communication network 4 and the mobilecommunication network 5, and transmitting data to both the communicationnetwork 4 and the mobile communication network 5. More specifically, viathe communication network 4, the transmission/reception section 21receives the program table PG₁ transmitted from the broadcast station 3₁ and the program table PG₂ transmitted from the broadcast station 3 ₂,and transfers them to the control section 22. Moreover, thetransmission/reception section 21 receives the determination requestR_(D) transmitted via the mobile communication network 5, and transfersthe received determination request R_(D) to the control section 22.Furthermore, the transmission/reception section 21 sends either one ofthe notice data D_(WP) and the notice data D_(WA) generated by thecontrol section 22 onto the mobile communication network 5.

In order to perform various processes which are necessary for theaforementioned determination, the control section 22 includes a programmemory 24, a processor 25, and a working area 26. The program memory 24stores a computer program 27 which describes a procedure of each processin the transmission apparatus 2. The processor 25 executes the computerprogram 27 as such. The characteristic process which is performed by theprocessor 25 will be described in detail later with reference to aflowchart of FIG. 10. The working area 26 is used by the processor 25during the execution of the computer program 27.

The program DB storage section 23 stores a program database (hereinafterprogram DB (Data Base)) 28 (see FIG. 9) which is generated by thecontrol section 22. The program DB 28 is generated from the programtable PG₁ from the broadcast station 3 ₁ and the program table PG₂ fromthe broadcast station 3 ₂ (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 9, the programDB 28 is composed of broadcast station records R_(BS1) and R_(BS2),which are exemplary of a number of broadcast station records R_(BS)corresponding to the number of broadcast stations. The broadcast stationrecord R_(BS1) is composed of the broadcast channel CH₁, a set includingthe time zone TP₁ and the program code PC₁, a set including the timezone TP₂ and the program code PC₂, and a set including the time zone TP₃and the program code PC₃. The broadcast station record R_(BS2) iscomposed of the broadcast channel CH₂, a set including the time zone TP₁and the program code PC₄, a set including the time zone TP₂ and theprogram code PC₅, and a set including the time zone TP₃ and the programcode PC₁. Since the respective information which the program DB 28 iscomposed of is as described above, the descriptions thereof are omitted.The titles PT₁ to PT₅ which are set in the program table PG₁ or PG₂ arenot particularly necessary for the processes performed by thetransmission apparatus 2, and therefore are removed from the program DB28. However, in the case where the transmission apparatus 2 distributesthe program tables PG₁ and PG₂, the program DB 28 may be composed of acombination of the program tables PG₁ and PG₂. Moreover, the broadcastchannels CH₁ and CH₂ may be area codes AC₁ and AC₂, as described above.

Next, the operation of the data communication system having the abovestructure will be described. First, in the transmission apparatus 2, atthe latest by the time T₁, the transmission/reception section 21receives the program table PG₁ from the broadcast station 3 ₁ and theprogram table PG₂ from the broadcast station 3 ₂, via the communicationnetwork 4, and stores them in the working area 26. By removing thetitles PT₁, to PT₃ from the program table PG₁ in the working area 26,the processor 25 generates the broadcast station record R_(BS1).Furthermore, by removing the titles PT₄, PT₅, and PT₁ from the programtable PG₂ in the working area 26, the processor 25 generates thebroadcast station record R_(BS2). The processor 25 stores the broadcaststation records R_(BS1) and R_(BS2), which have been generated on theworking area 26, into the program DB storage section 23 as the programDB 28.

The user of the reception apparatus 1 is currently moving within thearea A₁ (see FIG. 1). Furthermore, the user operates the input device112 in order to designate preprogramming of a viewing, and by referringto the program table PG₁, further designates the program code PC₁ of theprogram P₁ to be transmitted from the broadcast station 3 ₁. In responseto such designations, the processor 116 generates a preprogrammedprogram record R_(RP) as exemplified in FIG. 7, and stores thepreprogrammed program record R_(RP) in the preprogramming storagesection 113. Since the method for acquiring the program table PG₁ andthe method of preprogramming of a viewing are well-known, thedescriptions thereof are omitted. After the above preprogramming of aviewing has been completed, the user moves to the area A₂ while carryingthe reception apparatus 1.

The processor 116 executes the computer program 118 in the programmemory 115 with at least one preprogrammed program record R_(RP) beingstored. The processor 116 regularly monitors the broadcast start timefield F_(ST) of each preprogrammed program record R_(RP), and begins theprocess shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 when the current time is apredetermined time (e.g., 5 minutes) before a given broadcast starttime. It is assumed here that the current time is a predetermined timebefore the time T₁.

First, the processor 116 selects the relevant preprogrammed programrecord R_(RP) from within the preprogrammed program information I_(RP)(step S11). Herein, the relevant preprogrammed program record R_(RP) isdefined as that which satisfies the condition: (broadcast starttime−predetermined time)=current time. Thereafter, the processor 116extracts the broadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂ which is described in thebroadcast channel field F_(CH) of the relevant preprogrammed programrecord R_(RP), and the program code PC (one of the program codes PC₁ toPC₅) described in the program code field F_(PC) thereof, onto theworking area 117 (step S12). Under the above assumptions, thepreprogrammed program record R_(RP) exemplified in FIG. 7 is selected atstep S11, and the broadcast channel CH₁ and the program code PC₁ areacquired at step S12.

As described above, in the mobile communication network 5, a basestation installed in the area A₁ regularly sends out the positioninformation CP₁; similarly, a base station in the area A₂ sends out theposition information CP₂. In the reception apparatus 1, a multiplexsignal is inputted to the CODEC 110 from the mobile communicationnetwork 5, via the antenna 18 and the wireless communication section 19.The CODEC 110 separates the position information CP₁ or CP₂ from theinputted multiplex signal, and stores the position information CP₁ orCP₂ in the working area 117. Thus, the processor 116 acquires theposition information CP₁ or CP₂ for identifying the area A₁ or A₂ inwhich the reception apparatus 1 is currently located (step S13). Underthe above assumptions, the position information CP₂ is acquired at stepS13.

Next, the processor 116 generates, on the working area 117, adetermination request R_(D) (see FIG. 5) which contains the positioninformation CP₁ or CP₂, the broadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂, and one of theprogram codes PC₁ to PC₅ stored in the working area 117. Thereafter, viathe CODEC 110 and the wireless communication section 19, the processor116 sends the generated determination request R_(D) from the antenna 18onto the mobile communication network 5, so as to be transmitted to thetransmission apparatus 2 (step S14). Under the above assumptions, adetermination request R_(D) containing the position information CP₂, thebroadcast channel CH₁, and the program code PC₁ is generated and sentonto the mobile communication network 5 at step S14. Once step S14 iscompleted, the processor 116 waits to receive the notice data D_(WP) orD_(WA) from the transmission apparatus 2 (step S15).

In the transmission apparatus 2, the transmission/reception section 21receives the determination request R_(D) from the mobile communicationnetwork 5, and thereafter stores the received determination requestR_(D) into the working area 26. The processor 24, which is executing thecomputer program 27 in the program memory 24, begins a process shown bythe flowchart of FIG. 10 once the determination request R_(D) is storedin the working area 26.

First, the processor 25 extracts the position information CP₁ or CP₂,the broadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂, and one of the program codes PC₁ toPC₅ from the determination request R_(D) in the working area 26 (stepS21). Under the above assumptions, the determination request R_(D)contains the position information CP₂, the broadcast channel CH₁, andthe program code PC₁; therefore, these are extracted at step S21.

Next, the processor 25 determines whether or not an area (hereinafterreferred to as the generated area) A in which the reception apparatus 1was located when the relevant preprogrammed program record R_(RP) wasgenerated coincides with the currently located area (current area) A(step S22). Accordingly, the processor 25 first determines the area A₁or A₂ in which the reception apparatus 1 was located when the relevantpreprogrammed program record R_(RP) was generated, based on thebroadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂ acquired at step S21. Now, it is known thatthe broadcast channel CH₁ covers the area A₁, and that the broadcastchannel CH₂ covers the area A₂. Therefore, based on the broadcastchannel CH₁ or CH₂ in the relevant preprogrammed program record R_(RP),the processor 25 can easily determine whether the generated area A isthe area A₁ or the area A₂. Furthermore, since the extents covered bythe areas A₁ and A₂ are also known, it is possible to easily determinewhether the current area A is area A₁ or the area A₂ based on theposition information CP₁ or CP₂ acquired at step S21.

If step S22 finds that both areas A coincide, the process of FIG. 10 iscompleted because the reception apparatus 1 can use the relevantpreprogrammed program record R_(RP) as it currently is, without anythingparticular being performed for the reception apparatus 1.

Under the above assumptions, the generated area A is the area A₁, andthe current area A is the area A₂. Therefore, step S22 determines thatboth areas A do not coincide. In this case, the processor 25 determineswhether or not a program P (i.e., one of the programs P₁ to P₅) which isidentified by the relevant preprogrammed program record R_(RP) is to bebroadcast in the current area A after the current time (step S23). Morespecifically, the processor 25 accesses the program DB storage section23 to determine whether or not a set including one of the program codesPC₁ to PC₅ acquired at step S21 and any of the time zones TP₁ to TP₃that falls after the current time exists in the broadcast station recordR_(BS1) or R_(BS2) of the broadcast station 3 ₁ or 3 ₂ in the currentarea A. If such a set can be found, the processor 25 will know that theprogram P which is preprogrammed for viewing is to be broadcast in thecurrent area A after the current time.

Under the above assumptions, the broadcast station record R_(BS2) isfound at step S23. Since the time zone TP₃, which comes after thecurrent time and the program code PC₁ acquired at step S21 are describedtherein, the processor 25 determines the case to be YES. Upon thisdetermination, the processor 25 generates the notice data D_(WP) and/orthe notice data D_(WA) on the working area 26 (step S24). As is shown inthe upper portion of FIG. 11, the notice data D_(WA) which is generatedat this step contains not only the aforementioned alert message but alsotext data or image data representing a program notification indicatingthat the same program is to be broadcast in the current area A. Thenotice data D_(WA) generated at this step contains not only theaforementioned alert message but also audio data representing theaforementioned program notification.

If the determination at step S23 is NO, then the same program P is notto be broadcast in the current area A, so that the processor 25, asshown in the lower portion of FIG. 11, generates notice data D_(WP)and/or notice data D_(WA) only containing the aforementioned alertmessage on the working area 26 (step S25).

After step S24 or S25 is completed as described above, the processor 25sends the generated notice data D_(WP) and/or notice data D_(WA) ontothe mobile communication network 5 via the transmission/receptionsection 21 (step S26). Once step S26 is completed, the process of FIG.10 is completed.

As described above, the processor 116 of the reception apparatus 1 iswaiting to receive the notice data D_(WP) and/or D_(WA) at step S15, andupon determining that this has not been received, determines whether ornot a predetermined time has elapsed since the sending of thedetermination request R_(D) (step S16). If the predetermined time haselapsed, the processor 116 regards the relevant preprogrammed programrecord R_(RP) as valid, and the process of FIG. 6 is completed. On theother hand, if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the processor 116again performs step S15.

The notice data D_(WP) and/or notice data D_(WA) which was sent at stepS26 is received by the antenna 18 of the reception apparatus 1 via themobile communication network 5, and is thereafter stored in the workingarea 117 via the wireless communication section 19 and the CODEC 110.Based on this storage, the processor 116 determines that the notice dataD_(WP) and/or notice data D_(WA) has been received at step S15,generates a control signal S_(SB) and/or S_(SC), and outputs thegenerated control signal S_(SB) and/or S_(SC) to the image switchingsection 14 and/or the audio switching section 16 (step S17). The controlsignal S_(SB) is a signal for instructing the input line of the imageswitching section 14 to be switched to the side of the control section111, and the control signal S_(SC) is a signal for instructing the inputline of the audio switching section 16 to be switched to the side of thecontrol section 111. In accordance with the control signal S_(SB) and/orthe control signal S_(SC) as such, the image switching section 14 and/orthe audio switching section 16 respectively switch their input lines tothe side of the control section 111.

Next, in step S17, the processor 116 transfers the notice data D_(WP)and/or notice data D_(WA) on the working area 117 to the image switchingsection 14 and/or the audio switching section 16 (step S18). As aresult, the notice data D_(WP) and/or notice data D_(WA) is inputted tothe display device 15 and/or the audio output section 17 via the imageswitching section 14 and/or the audio switching section 16. The displaydevice 15 displays the alert message represented by the received noticedata D_(WA) in the form of a text or image. If the received notice dataD_(WA) contains a program notification, the display device 15 alsodisplays the program notification. The audio output section 17 outputsthe alert message represented by the received notice data D_(WA) in anaudio form. If a program notification is contained in the receivednotice data D_(WA), the audio output section 17 also outputs the programnotification in an audio form.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the receptionapparatus 1 is capable of allowing a user to recognize, by using thenotice data D_(WP) and/or D_(WA) from the transmission apparatus 2, thatit is necessary to correct the preprogramming information record R_(RP)generated in the area A₁ due to a movement from the area A₁ to the areaA₂. By using the program table PG₂ which can be acquired in the area A₂,the user is able to erase, newly generate, or correct the relevantpreprogramming information record R_(RP). Since the transmissionapparatus 2 adds a program notification in the notice data D_(WA) and/orD_(WA), the user can recognize that a program P which has beenpreprogrammed for viewing in the area A₁ is to be broadcast in the areaA₂, so that the user can newly generate or correct the preprogramminginformation record R_(RP) even more easily.

In the above description, the timing for sending the determinationrequest R_(D) essentially falls a predetermined time before thebroadcast start time of the program P which is preprogrammed forviewing. This can contribute to the reduction of the frequency ofsending the determination requests R_(D). In other words, the traffic onthe mobile communication network 5 can be reduced. However, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. The timing for sending thedetermination request R_(D) may come immediately after the receptionapparatus 1 has moved from the generated area A to the current area A.In this case, although the frequency of sending the determinationrequests R_(D) becomes relatively high, the user can promptly recognizethe necessity to erase, newly add, or correct the preprogramminginformation record R_(RP).

After moving from the generated area A to the current area A, the usermay go back to the generated area A. Therefore, it is preferable thatthe processor 116 preprogramming storage section 113 saves thepreprogrammed program record R_(RP) which is selected at step S11 ofFIG. 6 in a predetermined memory area, rather than erasing it. As aresult, when the user returns to the original area A, without requiringthe user to operate the input device 112, the processor 116 canreproduce the preprogrammed program P by using the saved preprogrammedprogram record R_(RP).

In the above description, the process of FIG. 10 is completed when theprocessor 25 of the transmission apparatus 2 determines the case to beYES at step S22. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.The transmission apparatus 2 may generate notice data indicating thatthe relevant preprogrammed program record R_(RP) can be used as it is,and transmit the notice data to the reception apparatus 1.

Although not described above, at the broadcast start time in thepreprogrammed program record R_(RP) exemplified in FIG. 7, for example,the processor 116 generates a control signal S_(CH) for setting thereceiving channel of the tuner 12 to the broadcast channel CH₁, andoutputs the generated control signal S_(CH) to the tuner 12. Moreover,the processor 116 generates a control signal S_(SA) for setting theinput line of the program reproduction section 13 to the side of thetuner 12, and outputs the generated control signal S_(SA) to the programreproduction section 13. Moreover, the processor 116 generates a controlsignal S_(SB) for setting the input line of the image switching section14 to the side of the program reproduction section 13, and outputs thegenerated control signal S_(SB) to the image switching section 14. Theaudio switching section 16 generates a control signal S_(SC) for settingthe input line of the audio switching section 16 to the programreproduction section 13, and outputs the generated control signal S_(CC)to the audio switching section 16. As a result, the display device 15and the audio output section 17 output video and audio composing theprogram P which has been preprogrammed for viewing based on thepreprogrammed program record R_(RP).

Although the above-described embodiment illustrates the operation of thereception apparatus 1 in the case of preprogramming of a viewing, theoperation in the case of preprogrammed recording can also be easilyrealized by applying the operation for the case of preprogramming of aviewing. More specifically, the user designates preprogramming of arecording in the area A₁ by operating the input device 112, and furtherdesignates the program code PC₁ by referring to the program table PG₁.In response to such designations, the processor 116 generates apreprogrammed program record R_(RP) whose flag field F_(FL) is “1”.Thus, if the user has moved from the area A₁ to the area A₂ at apredetermined time before the broadcast start time of the preprogrammedprogram record R_(RP), the above-described process is performed betweenthe reception apparatus 1 and the transmission apparatus 2.

When the broadcast start time in the preprogrammed program record R_(RP)whose flag field F_(FL) is “1” is reached, the processor 116 generates acontrol signal S_(CH) for setting the receiving channel of the tuner 12to the broadcast channel CH₁, and outputs the generated control signalS_(CH) to the tuner 12. As a result, the transport stream composing thepreprogrammed program P which is outputted from the tuner 12 is storedin the program storage section 114. When the user desires to view thepreprogrammed program P in the transport stream stored in the programstorage section 114, the processor 116 generates a control signal S_(SA)for setting the input line of the program reproduction section 13 to theside of the control section 111, and outputs the generated controlsignal S_(SA) to the program reproduction section 13. Moreover, theprocessor 116 generates a control signal S_(SB) for setting the inputline of the image switching section 14 to the side of the programreproduction section 13, and outputs the generated control signal S_(SB)to the image switching section 14. The audio switching section 16generates a control signal S_(SC) for setting the input line of theaudio switching section 16 to the side of the program reproductionsection 13, and outputs the generated control signal S_(SC) to the audioswitching section 16. As a result, the transport stream which has beenread from the program storage section 114 by the processor 116 isoutputted to the program reproduction section 13, so that the displaydevice 15 and the audio output section 17 output video and audiocomposing the program P which has been preprogrammed for recording basedon the preprogrammed program record R_(RP).

The above-described embodiment illustrates an example where thereception apparatus 1 and the transmission apparatus 2 are applied to aterrestrial broadcast system. However, the reception apparatus 1 mayperform the process shown in FIG. 6 also in the case where the programsP₁ to P₅ are receivable in a satellite broadcast system.

In the above-described embodiment, the reception apparatus 1 employs theposition information CP₁ or CP₂ outputted from the mobile communicationnetwork 5 when generating the determination request R_(D). However, thepresent invention is not limited thereto. The reception apparatus 1 maygenerate the determination request R_(D) by employing a current positionwhich is calculated by using information from the GPS (GlobalPositioning System), or may generate the determination request R_(D) byemploying a current position which is detected by using a so-calledautonomous navigation sensor.

In the above-described embodiment, the transmission apparatus 2determines the movement of the reception apparatus 1 from the generatedarea A to the current area A based on the broadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂and the position information CP₁ or CP₂ contained in the receiveddetermination request R_(D). However, the present invention is notlimited thereto. Since the transmission apparatus 2 generates noticedata D_(WP) or D_(WA) every time the reception apparatus 1 moves, it ispossible to memorize the generated area A of the reception apparatus 1.Then, the reception apparatus 1 may generate a determination requestR_(D) which only contains the position information CP₁ or CP₂, and sendthe determination request R_(D) to the transmission apparatus 2. In thiscase, the transmission apparatus 2 can recognize that the receptionapparatus 1 has moved from the generated area A to the current area Abased on the memorized generated area A and the received positioninformation CP₁ or CP₂.

(First Variant)

Next, a first variant of the process of the processor 116 and theprocess of the processor 25 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchartillustrating a first variant processing procedure of the processor 116.FIG. 12 differs from FIG. 6 in that steps S19 to S111 are furthercomprised. Since there are no other differences between these twoflowcharts, identical step numbers are given to any steps in FIG. 12that correspond to those in FIG. 6, and the descriptions thereof areomitted. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a first variant processingprocedure of the processor 25. FIG. 13 differs from FIG. 10 in that stepS27 is comprised instead of step S24. Since there are no otherdifferences between these two flowcharts, identical step numbers aregiven to any steps in FIG. 13 that correspond to those in FIG. 10, andthe descriptions thereof are omitted.

In FIG. 13, when the processor 25 of the transmission apparatus 2determines the case to be YES at step S23, the processor 25 generatesnotice data D_(WP) and/or notice data D_(WA) on the working area 26(step S27). More specifically, the processor 25 reads, from the programDB storage section 23 onto the working area 26, a set which was found instep S23, i.e., a set including the broadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂, one ofthe time zones TP₁ to TP₃, and one of the program codes PC₁ to PC₅.Thereafter, as shown in the upper portion of FIG. 14, the processor 25generates notice data D_(WP) which contains identical programinformation I_(SP) as the set that has been read, in addition to theaforementioned alert message. Alternatively, the identical programinformation I_(SP) may be contained in the notice data D_(WA).

In the first embodiment, it is assumed the preprogrammed program recordR_(RP) exemplified in FIG. 7 is selected at step S11. Under thisassumption, the identical program information I_(SP) is composed of thebroadcast channel CH₂, the time zone TP₃, and the program code PC₁.

After step S27 as described above is completed, the processor 25 sends,at step S26, the generated notice data D_(WP) and/or notice data D_(WA)to the mobile communication network 5 via the transmission/receptionsection 21.

In FIG. 12, the processor 116 of the reception apparatus 1 determinesafter step S18 whether or not the received notice data D_(WP) or noticedata D_(WA) contains the identical program information I_(SP) (stepS19). If the processor 116 determines that the identical programinformation I_(SP) is not contained, the process of FIG. 12 is over.

If it is determined at step S19 that the identical program informationI_(SP) is contained, the processor 116 copies the relevant preprogrammedprogram record R_(RP), and saves the copy to another recording area inthe preprogramming storage section 113 (step S110). As a result, whenthe reception apparatus 1 returns to the generated area A, the savedpreprogrammed program record R_(RP) can be utilized again, as describedabove.

Furthermore, the processor 116 writes the broadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂,the broadcast start time and the broadcast end time constituting some ofthe time zones TP₁ to TP₃, and one of the program codes PC₁ to PC₅—fromwhich the identical program information I_(SP) is composed—into thebroadcast channel field F_(CH), the start time field F_(ST), the endtime field F_(ET), and the program code field F_(PC) composing thepreprogrammed program record R_(RP) of the preprogrammed programinformation I_(RP), thereby updating the relevant preprogrammed programrecord R_(RP) (step S111). Under the above assumptions, the updatedpreprogrammed program record R_(RP) is composed of the broadcast channelCH₂, the broadcast start time T₃, the broadcast end time T₄, the programcode field PC₁, and a flag “0”.

As described above, in the first variant, the reception apparatus 1 iscapable of automatically updating the preprogrammed program recordR_(RP), thereby making it possible to view or record in the current areaA a program P which has been preprogrammed for viewing or preprogrammedfor recording.

The above-described variant illustrates a case where the processor 116writes the broadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂, the broadcast start time andthe broadcast end time constituting some of the time zones TP₁ to TP₃,and one of the program codes PC₁ to PC₅—from which the identical programinformation I_(SP) in the preprogrammed program record R_(RP) iscomposed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Theprocessor 116 may only write the necessary portions. For example, sinceone of the program codes PC₁ to PC₅ is described in both the identicalprogram information I_(SP) and the preprogrammed program record R_(RP),the program code PC does not need to be rewritten. In some cases, thebroadcast start time and the broadcast end time may not even need to berewritten, either.

In the above-described variant, it is impossible to recognize at thereception apparatus 1 whether or not the same program P is broadcast inthe current area A until the notice data D_(WP) or D_(WA) from thetransmission apparatus 2 is analyzed. It might even be possible for thesame program P to run in the same time zone TP. Therefore, the user ofthe reception apparatus 1 would wish to update the preprogrammed programrecord R_(RP) as soon as possible. Therefore, in the first variant, itis preferable that the determination request R_(D) is sent to thetransmission apparatus 2 immediately after a movement from the generatedarea A to the current area A occurs.

Moreover, in the above-described variant, it is preferable at step S25to not only send the aforementioned alert message but also to generatenotice data D_(WP) and/or notice data D_(WA) which contains anotification that the same program P is not going to be broadcast in thecurrent area A, and to send the notice data D_(WP) and/or notice dataD_(WA) at step S27. As a result, the user of the reception apparatus 1will be able to recognize that the same program P is not going to bebroadcast.

As shown in FIG. 15, the user may possess a stationary type videorecording apparatus 6 which is capable of accessing the communicationnetwork 4. Moreover, such a video recording apparatus 6 basically willnot move among a plurality of areas A. In this case, if it is determinedat step S23 that the same program P does not exist, then thetransmission apparatus 1 may generate a command C_(RR), which isdirected to the video recording apparatus 6, for recording a program Pidentified by the preprogrammed program record R_(RP) selected at stepS11, and transmit it via the communication network 4.

In the above-described first embodiment, the user designatespreprogramming of a viewing by operating the input device 112, andfurther designates the program code PC₁ of the program P₁ transmitted bythe broadcast station 3 ₁ while referring to the program table PG₁. Inresponse to such designations, the processor 116 generates thepreprogrammed program record R_(RP) and stores the generatedpreprogrammed program record R_(RP) in the preprogramming storagesection 113. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Thereception apparatus 1 may transmit the generated preprogrammed programrecord R_(RP) to the transmission apparatus 2, and the transmissionapparatus 2 may keep each preprogrammed program record R_(RP) undermanagement. In this case, at a predetermined time before the broadcaststart time of a program which has been preprogrammed for viewing orpreprogrammed for recording, the transmission apparatus 2 transmits therelevant preprogrammed program record R_(RP) to the reception apparatus1. Herein, if the user possesses a stationary type video recordingapparatus 6 which is capable of accessing the communication network 4 asdescribed above, the transmission apparatus 2 may transmit thepreprogrammed program record R_(RP) to the reception apparatus 1, or maytransmit the aforementioned command C_(RR) to the video recordingapparatus 6, depending on the content of the program P which isidentified by the preprogrammed program record R_(RP). For example, asfor programs P which are to be viewed on a high-resolution screen, e.g.,movies, the transmission apparatus 2 may generate the aforementionedcommand C_(RR) and transmit it to the video recording apparatus 6, andas for those which do not need to be viewed at a high-resolution screen,e.g., news, the transmission apparatus 2 may transmit the aforementionedpreprogrammed program record R_(RP) to the reception apparatus 1.

(Second Variant)

Next, a second variant of the process of the processor 116 and theprocess of the processor 25 will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchartillustrating a second variant processing procedure of the processor 116.FIG. 16 differs from FIG. 6 in that steps S112 to S116 are furthercomprised. Since there are no other differences between these twoflowcharts, identical step numbers are given to any steps in FIG. 16that correspond to those in FIG. 6, and the descriptions thereof areomitted. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a second variant processingprocedure of the processor 25. FIG. 17 differs from FIG. 10 in thatsteps S28 and S29 are comprised instead of step S24. Since there are noother differences between these two flowcharts, identical step numbersare given to any steps in FIG. 17 that correspond to those in FIG. 10,and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

In FIG. 17, if the processor 25 of the transmission apparatus 2determines the case to be NO at step S23, the processor 25 searches theprogram DB 28 for a substitute program AP for a program P which has beenpreprogrammed for viewing or preprogrammed for recording at thereception apparatus 1, and extracts onto the working area 26 thebroadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂ on which the substitute program AP isbroadcast, one of the time zones TP₁ to TP₃, and one of the programcodes PC₁ to PC₅ as substitute program information I_(AP) (step S28).Herein, various programs P are possible candidates for the substituteprogram AP, e.g., a program P which is broadcast in the current area Ain the same time zone TP as the program P which has been preprogrammedfor viewing or preprogrammed for recording, or a program P which isbroadcast in the current area A and which is selected by the processor25 based on the preferences of the user.

Next, the processor 25 generates notice data D_(WP) and/or notice dataD_(WA) on the working area 26 (step S29). More specifically, as shown inFIG. 17, the processor 25 generates notice data D_(WP) which containsthe substitute program information I_(AP) acquired at step S28 inaddition to the alert message. Alternatively, the substitute programinformation I_(AP) may be contained in notice data D_(WA).

For example, if the program P₄ shown in FIG. 2 is found at step S28 as asubstitute program AP₄, the substitute program information I_(AP) whichis generated at step S29 is composed of the broadcast channel CH₂, thetime zone TP₁, and the program code PC₄.

After step S29 as described above is completed, at step S26, thegenerated notice data D_(WP) and/or D_(WA) is sent to the mobilecommunication network 5 via the transmission/reception section 21.

In FIG. 16, the processor 116 of the reception apparatus 1 determines,after step S18, whether or not the substitute program information I_(AP)is contained in the received notice data D_(WP) or D_(WA) (step S112).If the processor 116 determines that the substitute program informationI_(AP) is not contained in the received notice data D_(WP) or D_(WA),the process of FIG. 16 is completed.

If it is determined at step S112 that the substitute program informationI_(AP) is contained in the received notice data D_(WP) or D_(WA), theprocessor 116 transfers image data D_(NAP) representing a messageindicating the existence of a substitute program AP (hereinafterreferred to as a substitute program notification) to the image switchingsection 14 (step S113). Although the image data D_(NAP) may be added inthe notice data D_(WP) or D_(WA), the second variant assumes that theimage data D_(NAP) is previously described in the computer program 118.Moreover, as shown in FIG. 18, the image data D_(NAP) is composed so asto enable a user to designate whether to preprogram the substituteprogram AP for viewing or to preprogram the substitute program AP forrecording. As a result of step S113, the image data D_(NAP) is receivedby the display device 15 via the image switching section 14. As shown inFIG. 18, the display device 15 displays a message which is representedby the image data D_(NAP).

The user determines whether or not to accept the substitute program APby referring to the screen of the display device 15, and designateswhether or not to accept the substitute program AP by operating theinput device 112. Based on an output signal from the input device 112,the processor 116 determines whether the user desires to preprogram thesubstitute program AP for viewing or to preprogram the substituteprogram AP for recording (step S114). If the user designatesnon-acceptance, the processor 116 regards the substitute program AP asnot being preprogrammed for viewing, and the process of FIG. 16 is over.

On the other hand, if the user designates the substitute program AP tobe accepted at step S114, the processor 116 regards the substituteprogram AP to be preprogrammed for viewing, and the processor 116 copiesa relevant preprogrammed program record R_(RP), and saves the copy toanother recording area in the preprogramming storage section 113 (stepS115). As a result, as described above, the saved preprogrammed programrecord R_(RP) can be utilized again.

Furthermore, the processor 116 writes the broadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂,the broadcast start time and the broadcast end time constituting some ofthe time zones TP₁ to TP₃, and one of the program codes PC₁ to PC₅,which compose the substitute program information I_(AP), into thebroadcast channel field F_(CH), the start time field F_(ST), the endtime field F_(ET), and the program code field F_(PC) composing thepreprogrammed program record R_(RP) of the preprogrammed programinformation I_(RP), thereby updating the relevant preprogrammed programrecord R_(RP) (step S116). Under the above assumptions, the updatedpreprogrammed program record R_(RP) is composed of the broadcast channelCH₂, the broadcast start time T₁, the broadcast end time T₂, the programcode field PC₄, and a flag “0”.

As described above, according to the second variant, the receptionapparatus 1 automatically updates the preprogrammed program recordR_(RP) with that of a substitute program AP, so that an easier-to-usereception apparatus 1 can be provided.

Although the existence of a substitute program AP is notified to theuser by image data D_(NAP) representing a substitute programnotification in the above-described second variant, the presentinvention is not limited thereto. The reception apparatus 1 may notifythe existence of the substitute program AP to the user in an audio form.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall structure of adata communication system according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention. In FIG. 19, the data communication system comprisesat least one reception apparatus 6, at least one transmission apparatus7, and four broadcast stations 8 ₁ to 8 ₄, which are exemplary of aplurality of broadcast stations.

First, the broadcast stations 8 ₁ to 8 ₄ will be described. By using abroadcast channel CH₁, the broadcast station 8 ₁ broadcasts, toward anarea A₁, programs P₁ to P₃ having different contents, which areexemplary of a plurality of programs, and which are multiplexedtypically onto a transport stream. Moreover, the broadcast station 8 ₁transmits a program table (time table) PG₁ to the transmission apparatus7 via a communication network 4. Herein, the broadcast channel CH₁, thearea A₁, the programs P₁ to P₃, the program table PG₁, and thecommunication network 4 are similar to those in the first embodiment,and therefore the descriptions thereof are omitted in the secondembodiment.

By using a broadcast channel CH₂, the broadcast station 8 ₂ broadcasts,toward the area A₁, two programs P₄ and P₅ having different contents,which are exemplary of a plurality of programs, and which aremultiplexed. The broadcast channel CH₂, which is preassigned to thebroadcast station 8 ₂, is a frequency band that is different from theaforementioned broadcast channel CH₁. Although the descriptions of thesecond embodiment conveniently assume that the broadcast stations 8 ₁and 8 ₂ both cover the same area A₁, the coverage areas of the broadcaststations 8 ₁ and 8 ₂ may differ depending on the performances of thebroadcast stations 8 ₁ and 8 ₂ or the surrounding environment.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, it is convenientlyassumed that the programs P₄ and P₅ are respectively broadcast in thescheduled and non-overlapping time zones TP₁ and TP₄. The time zone TP₄,which is composed of the time zones TP₂ and TP₃, is between a broadcaststart time T₂ and a broadcast end time T₄ of the program P₅. Programcodes PC₄ and PC₅ are assigned to the programs P₄ and P₅ in a mannersimilar to the first embodiment.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21, the broadcast station 8 ₂ transmits aprogram table (time table) PG₂, which represents the schedules of theprograms P₄ and P₅, to the transmission apparatus 7 via thecommunication network 4. Herein, the program table PG₂ has a similardata structure to that of the program table PG₁, and as shown in FIG.21, contains the broadcast channel CH₂ and information sets IS₄ and IS₅.The information set IS₄ is composed of a program title PT₄, the timezone TP₁, and the program code PC₄ of the program P₄. Although omittedfrom FIG. 21, the information set IS₅ is composed of a program titlePT₅, the time zone TP₄, and the program code PC₅ of the program P₅.

As shown in FIG. 19, by using a broadcast channel CH₃, the broadcaststation 8 ₃ broadcasts, toward an area A₂ programs P₆, P₇, and P₁ havingdifferent contents, which are exemplary of a plurality of programs.

The broadcast channel CH₃, which is preassigned to the broadcast station8 ₃, is a frequency band that is different from the aforementionedbroadcast channels CH₁ and CH₂. The area A₂, which is an extent (range)within which the reception apparatus 6 is capable of receiving thebroadcast programs P₆, P₇ and P₁ from the broadcast station 8 ₃, coversan extent that is different from the aforementioned area A₁, andsubstantially adjoins the area A₁. The area A₂ is generally determinedby the intensity of the transmission wave from the broadcast station 8₃.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, it is convenientlyassumed that the programs P₆, P₇ and P₁ are broadcast in theaforementioned time zones TP₁, TP₂, and TP₃. Note that the program P₁ istransmitted by the broadcast stations 8 ₁ and 8 ₃ in the respectivelydifferent time zones TP₁ and TP₃. For the programs P₆ and P₇, programcodes PC₆ and PC₇ are assigned, which are similar to those for the otherprograms P₁ to P₅. As in the aforementioned case, the program code PC₁is assigned to the broadcast program P₁ from the broadcast station 8 ₃.

As shown in FIG. 21, the broadcast station 8 ₃ transmits a program table(time table) PG₃, which represents the schedules of the broadcastprograms P₆, P₇, and P₁, to the transmission apparatus 2 via thecommunication network 4. Herein, the program table PG₃ has a similardata structure to those of the other program tables PG₁ and PG₂, and asshown in FIG. 21, contains the broadcast channel CH₃ and informationsets IS₆ to IS₈. Although omitted from FIG. 21, the information set IS₆is composed of a program title PT₆, the time zone TP₁, and the programcode PC₆ of the program P₆. The information set IS₇ is composed of aprogram title PT₇, the time zone TP₂, and the program code PC₇ of theprogram P₇. As is clear from the information set IS₁, the informationset ISis composed of a program title PT₁, the time zone TP₃, and theprogram code PC₁ of the program P₁.

By using a broadcast channel CH₄, the broadcast station 8 ₄ broadcaststoward the area A₂ two programs P₈ and P₉ having different contents,which are exemplary of a plurality of programs.

The broadcast channel CH₄, which is preassigned to the broadcast station8 ₄, is a frequency band that is different from the aforementionedbroadcast channels CH₁ to CH₃. The descriptions of the second embodimentconveniently assume that the broadcast stations 8 ₃ and 8 ₄ both coverthe same area A₂.

In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, it is convenientlyassumed that the programs P₈ and P₉ are broadcast in the scheduled andnon-overlapping time zones TP₁ and TP₄. Program codes PC₈ and PC₉ arerespectively assigned to the programs P₈ and P₉ in a manner similar tothe program P₁ and others.

As shown in FIG. 21, the broadcast station 8 ₄ transmits a program table(time table) PG₄, which represents the schedules of the broadcastprograms P₈ and P₉, to the transmission apparatus 2 via thecommunication network 4. Herein, the program table PG₄ has a similardata structure to those of the program table PG₁ and others, and asshown in FIG. 21, contains the broadcast channel CH₄ and informationsets IS₉ and IS₁₀. Although omitted from FIG. 21, the information setIS₉ is composed of a program title PT₈, the time zone TP₁, and theprogram code PC₈ of the program P₈, as is clear from the information setIS₁ and others. The information set IS₁₀ is composed of a program titlePT₉, the time zone TP₄, and the program code PC₉ of the program P₉.

In FIG. 19, the reception apparatus 6 is a mobile communication device,as is the aforementioned reception apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.In the currently located area A₁ or A₂, the reception apparatus 6receives and displays at least a personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂which is provided from the transmission apparatus 7. As is the case withthe aforementioned reception apparatus 1, the reception apparatus 6 maybe constructed so as to be capable of receiving the programs P₁ to P₅,or the programs P₁ and P₆ to P₉, which are broadcast by the broadcaststations 8 ₁ and 8 ₂ or the broadcast stations 8 ₃ and 8 ₄. Thereception apparatus 6 may also be constructed so as to be capable of,from among the programs P₁ to P₉ which can be received by the receptionapparatus 6, reproducing or recording those programs which have beenpreprogrammed for viewing or recording by the user. However, since thefeature of the second embodiment lies in the receiving and displaying ofthe personal program tables UPG₁ and UPG₂, the descriptions of theprogram reception, preprogramming of a viewing and preprogramming of arecording will be simplified.

In order to realize the above function, as shown in FIG. 22, thereception apparatus 6 differs from the reception apparatus 1 of FIG. 4in that a control section 61 is comprised instead of the control section111. Since there are no other differences in structure and processingbetween the reception apparatuses 6 and 1, identical reference numeralsare given to any components in FIG. 22 which correspond to those in FIG.4, and the descriptions thereof are simplified. However, theinput/output information for some of the components differ from those inthe first embodiment.

The program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ outputted from the control section 61 maybe inputted to the image switching section 14. In response to a controlsignal S_(SB) as described in the first embodiment, the image switchingsection 14 selects either the program reproduction section 13 or thecontrol section 61. When the control section 61 is selected, the imageswitching section 14 outputs the program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ which issent therefrom to the display device 15. The display device 15 displaysthe inputted program table UPG₁ or UPG₂.

From the multiplex signal outputted from the wireless communicationsection 19, the CODEC 110 separates position information CP₁ or CP₂ sentto the reception apparatus 6 and the program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ directedto the reception apparatus 6, and outputs these to the control section61. The CODEC 110 further multiplexes a program table request R_(UPG)which is generated by the control section 61 onto the multiplex signal.Herein, the program table request R_(UPG) is information for requestingthe transmission apparatus 2 for the personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂which is available in the area A₁ or A₂ into which the receptionapparatus 6 has presently entered, and the program table request R_(UPG)at least contains one of the broadcast channels CH₁ to CH₄ and theposition information CP₁ or CP₂.

In order to perform various processes which are necessary for thereception and displaying of personal program tables, the control section61 includes a program memory 62, a processor 63, and a working area 64.The program memory 62 stores a computer program (simply shown as“program” in FIG. 22) 65 for controlling the respective components ofthe reception apparatus 6. The processor 63 executes the computerprogram 65 as such. The specific process which is performed by theprocessor 63 will be described in detail later with reference to aflowchart of FIG. 23. The working area 64 is used by the processor 63during the execution of the computer program 65.

In FIG. 19, the transmission apparatus 7 receives the program tables PG₁to PG₄ from the broadcast stations 8 ₁ to 8 ₄, respectively, via thecommunication network 4, and stores them. Furthermore, in response tothe program table request R_(UPG) from the reception apparatus 6, thetransmission apparatus 7 performs a process which is unique to thesecond embodiment. More specifically, the transmission apparatus 7generates the personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂, and thereaftertransmits the generated personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ to thereception apparatus 6 via the mobile communication network 5.

In order to realize the above functions, as shown in FIG. 24, thetransmission apparatus 7 differs from the transmission apparatus 2 inFIG. 8 in that a control section 71 is comprised instead of the controlsection 22. Since there are no other differences in structure andprocessing between the transmission apparatuses 7 and 2, identicalreference numerals are given to any components in FIG. 24 whichcorrespond to those in FIG. 8, and the descriptions thereof aresimplified. However, the input/output information for thetransmission/reception section 21, and the information stored in theprogram DB storage section 23 differ from those in the first embodiment.

The transmission/reception section 21 receives, via the communicationnetwork 4, the program tables PG₁ to PG₄ which are sent from thebroadcast stations 8 ₁ to 8 ₄, and transfers them to the control section71. The transmission/reception section 21 receives, via the mobilecommunication network 5, the program table request R_(UPG) which is sentfrom the reception apparatus 6, and transfers the received program tablerequest R_(UPG) to the control section 71. Furthermore, thetransmission/reception section 21 sends the personal program table UPG₁or UPG₂ which is generated by the control section 71 onto the mobilecommunication network 5. In order to perform a process which is uniqueto the second embodiment, the control section 71 comprises a programmemory 72, a processor 73, and a working area 74. The program memory 72stores a computer program (simply shown as “program” in FIG. 24) 75which describes the procedure of each process in the transmissionapparatus 7. The processor 73 executes the computer program 75 as such.The process of the processor 73 will be described later in detail withreference to a flowchart of FIG. 25. The working area 74 is used by theprocessor 73 during the execution of the computer program 75.

The program storage section 23 stores a program DB 76 which is generatedby the control section 22. The program DB 76 is generated from thereceived program tables PG₁ to PG₄ (see FIG. 21), and, as shown in FIG.26, is composed of area records R_(AR1) and R_(AR2), which are exemplaryof a number of area records R_(AR) corresponding to the number of areas.The area record R_(AR1) is generated from the program tables PG₁ and PG₂from the broadcast stations 8 ₁ and 8 ₂ covering the area A₁, andidentifies the programs P₁ to P₃, which are broadcast on the broadcastchannel CH₁, and the programs P₄ and P₅, which are broadcast on thebroadcast channel CH₂, in reference to the respective time T. The arearecord R_(AR2) is generated from the program tables PG₃ and PG₄ from thebroadcast stations 8 ₃ and 8 ₄ covering the area A₂, and identifies theprograms P₆, P₇ and P₁, which are broadcast on the broadcast channelCH₃, and the programs P₈ and P₉, which are broadcast on the broadcastchannel CH₄, in reference to the respective time T.

Next, the operation of the data communication system having the abovestructure will be described. First, in the transmission apparatus 7, atthe latest by the time T₁, the transmission/reception section 21receives the program table PG₁ from the broadcast station 8 ₁, theprogram table PG₂ from the broadcast station 8 ₂, the program table PG₃from the broadcast station 8 ₃, and the program table PG₄ from thebroadcast station 8 ₄ via the communication network 4, and stores themin the working area 74. The processor 73 generates an area recordR_(AR1) from the program tables PG₁ and PG₂ in the working area 74, andan area record R_(AR2) from the program tables PG₃ and PG₄. Theprocessor 73 stores the set of the area records R_(AR1) and R_(AR2) assuch in the program DB storage section 23 as the program DB 76.

The user of the reception apparatus 6 is currently moving within thearea A₁ (see FIG. 19). Furthermore, a preprogrammed program recordR_(RP) is generated in the area A₁ in a manner similar to the firstembodiment. Thereafter, the user moves to the area A₂ while carrying thereception apparatus 6. The processor 63, which is executing the computerprogram 65, begins the process shown in FIG. 23 at a predetermined timebefore the broadcast start time in each preprogrammed program recordR_(RP). In a manner similar to step S11 described above, the processor63 selects a relevant preprogrammed program record R_(RP) (step S31),and acquires a broadcast channel CH (one of the broadcast channels CH₁to CH₄) from the relevant preprogrammed program record R_(RP) (stepS32). Assuming that the relevant preprogrammed program record R_(RP) isthat which is exemplified in FIG. 7, the broadcast channel CH₁ isacquired.

As described above, in the mobile communication network 5, a basestation in the area A₁ is regularly sending out position informationCP₁, and a base station in the area A₂ is regularly sending out positioninformation CP₂. In the reception apparatus 6, the CODEC 110 separatesthe position information CP₁ or CP₂ from the inputted multiplex signal,and stores the position information CP₁ or CP₂ in the working area 64,as in the first embodiment. Thus, the processor 63 acquires the positioninformation CP₁ or CP₂ in the area A₁ or A₂ in which the receptionapparatus 6 is currently located (step S33). Under the aboveassumptions, the position information CP₂ is acquired.

Next, the processor 63 generates a program table request R_(UPG) whichcontains the acquired one of the broadcast channels CH₁ to CH₄ and theacquired position information CP₁ or CP₂ on the working area 64, andsends the generated program table request R_(UPG), via the CODEC 110 andthe wireless communication section 19, from the antenna 18 to the mobilecommunication network 5 (step S34). Under the above assumptions, aprogram table request R_(UPG) that contains the broadcast channel CH₁and the position information CP₂ is generated. Thereafter, the processor63 waits to receive a personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ which isgenerated in the transmission apparatus 7 (step S35).

In the transmission apparatus 7, the transmission/reception section 21stores the program table request R_(UPG) which is received from themobile communication network 5 into the working area 74. The processor73, which is executing the computer program 75 in the program memory 72,begins the process shown by the flowchart of FIG. 26 once the programtable request R_(UPG) is stored into the working are 74.

First, the processor 73 extracts one of the broadcast channels CH₁ toCH₄ and the position information CP₁ or CP₂ from the program tablerequest R_(UPG) in the working area 74 (step S41). Under the aboveassumptions, the broadcast channel CH₁ and the position information CP₂are extracted.

Next, in a manner similar to the aforementioned step S22, the processor73 determines whether or not the generated area A of the relevantpreprogrammed program record R_(RP) coincides with the current area A(step S42). If generated area A and the current area A coincide, theprocess of FIG. 26 is completed because it is unnecessary to performanything particular for the reception apparatus 6.

On the other hand, if it is determined at step S42 that both areas A donot coincide, the processor 73 accesses the program DB storage section23 to select the area record R_(AR1) or R_(AR2) for the current area Aas determined at step S42 (see FIG. 26) (step S43). Hereinafter, thatwhich is selected at step S43 will be referred to as a “relevant arearecord R_(AR)”. Under the above assumptions, the area record R_(AR2) isselected as being relevant. Next, the processor 73 generates some unitsof program identification information I_(PI) by using the relevant arearecord R_(AR) (step S44). More specifically, in the relevant area recordR_(AR), the processor 73 selects a favorite program P of the user fromamong a plurality of programs P which are broadcast in the same timezone TP. Then, in order to determine the selected program P, theprocessor 73 extracts, from the program DB 76, a set including abroadcast channel CH, a program title PT, a program code PC, and a timezone TP, as program identification information I_(PI). The processor 73executes such a process with respect to every time zone TP. The methodfor selecting a user's favorite program P at step S44 will bespecifically described in a subsequent embodiment. In the secondembodiment, it is assumed that program identification informationI_(PII) which is composed of the broadcast channel CH₃, the programtitle PT₆, the program code PC₆ and the time zone TP₁, and programidentification information I_(PI2) which is composed of the broadcastchannel CH₄, the program title PT₉, the program code PC₉, and the timezone TP₄ are generated from the relevant area record R_(AR2) as theprogram identification information I_(PI).

Next, the processor 73 arranges the units of program identificationinformation I_(PI) generated at step S44 on the working area 74 in sucha manner that the time zones TP become contiguous, thereby generating apersonal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ as shown in FIG. 27 (step S45).Under the above assumptions, as exemplified in FIG. 27, a personalprogram table UPG₂ is generated which is composed of the programidentification information I_(PI1) and I_(PI2). Next, the processor 73sends the generated personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ onto the mobilecommunication network 5 via the transmission/reception section 21 (stepS46). Once step S46 is completed, the process of FIG. 26 is completed.

As described above, the processor 63 of the reception apparatus 6 iswaiting to receive at step S34 the personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂,and upon determining that this has not been received, determines whetheror not a predetermined time has elapsed since the sending of the programtable request R_(UPG) (step S36). If the predetermined time has elapsed,the processor 63 determines that the generated area A has not beenexited, and the process of FIG. 23 is completed. On the other hand, ifthe predetermined time has not elapsed, the processor 63 again performsstep S35.

The personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ which is sent out at step S46 isreceived by the antenna 18 of the reception apparatus 6 via the mobilecommunication network 5, and is thereafter stored into the working area64 via the wireless communication section 19 and the CODEC 110. Based onthis storage, the processor 63 determines that the personal programtable UPG₁ or UPG₂ was received at step S35, generates a control signalS_(SB), and outputs the generated control signal S_(SB) to the imageswitching section 14 (step S37). The control signal S_(SB) is a signalfor switching the input line of the image switching section 14 to theside of the control section 61. In accordance with the received controlsignal S_(SB), the image switching section 14 switches the input line tothe side of the control section 61.

Next, the processor 63 transfers the program table UPG₁ or the UPG₂ inthe working area 64 to the image switching section 14 (step S38). As aresult, the program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ is inputted to the display device15 via the image switching section 14. As shown in FIG. 28, the displaydevice 15 displays the received personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the transmissionapparatus 7 determines that the reception apparatus 6 has moved from thegenerated area A to another area (current area) A, and transmits thepersonal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ which is composed of those of theprograms P being broadcast in the current area A which are favorites ofa user. The reception apparatus 6 displays the personal program tableUPG₁ or UPG₂ which has been sent from the transmission apparatus 7. As aresult, even if the user has moved into another area A without knowing,the personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ which is valid in the currentarea can be automatically received and displayed, whereby aneasier-to-use reception apparatus 6 can be realized.

In the above description, the timing for sending the program tablerequest R_(UPG) essentially falls a predetermined time before thebroadcast start time of the program P which is preprogrammed forviewing. This can contribute to the reduction of the frequency ofsending the program table requests R_(UPG). In other words, the trafficon the mobile communication network 5 can be reduced. However, thepresent invention is not limited thereto. The timing for sending theprogram table request R_(UPG) may come immediately after a movement ofthe reception apparatus 6 from the generated area A to the current areaA is detected. In this case, although the frequency of sending theprogram table requests R_(UPG) becomes relatively high, the user canpromptly acquire the personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ which is validin the current area A.

After moving to the current area A, the user may go back to thegenerated area A. Therefore, it is preferable that the receptionapparatus 6 saves the personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ acquired inthe generated area A in a predetermined memory area. As a result, whenthe user returns to the original area A, the processor 63 can displaythe saved personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ without having to newlytransmit a program table requests R_(UPG) to the transmission apparatus7.

The above-described second embodiment illustrates an example where thereception apparatus 6 and the transmission apparatus 7 are applied to aterrestrial broadcast system. However, the reception apparatus 6 mayperform the process shown in FIG. 23 also in the case where the programsP₁ to P₁₀ are receivable in a satellite broadcast system.

In the above-described second embodiment, the reception apparatus 6employs the position information CP₁ or CP₂ from the mobilecommunication network 5 when generating the program table requestR_(UPG). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Thereception apparatus 6 may generate the program table request R_(UPG) byemploying a current position which is calculated by using informationfrom the GPS (Global Positioning System), or may generate the programtable request R_(UPG) by employing a current position which is detectedby using a so-called autonomous navigation sensor.

In the above-described second embodiment, the transmission apparatus 6determines the movement of the reception apparatus 1 from the generatedarea A to the current area A based on the broadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂and the position information CP₁ or CP₂ contained in the receivedprogram table request R_(UPG). However, the present invention is notlimited thereto. Since the transmission apparatus 7 generates theprogram table UPG₁ or UPG₂ every time the reception apparatus 6 moves,it is possible to memorize the generated area A of the receptionapparatus 6. Then, the reception apparatus 6 may generate a programtable request R_(UPG) which only contains the position information CP₁or CP₂, and send the generated program table request R_(UPG) to thetransmission apparatus 7. In this case, the transmission apparatus 7 canrecognize that the reception apparatus 6 has moved from the generatedarea A to the current area A based on the memorized generated area A andthe received position information CP₁ or CP₂.

In the above-described second embodiment, the transmission apparatus 7generates the personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ after determining thatthe reception apparatus 6 has moved to the current area A by using thebroadcast channel CH₁ or CH₂ and the position information CP₁ or CP₂.However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The transmissionapparatus 7 can determine the broadcast programs P in the broadcast area(current area)A₁ or A₂ in which the reception apparatus 6 is currentlylocated, from the position information CP₁ or CP₂ alone. From thebroadcast program P thus determined, the transmission apparatus 7 cangenerate the personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ for the current area A₁or A₂.

Variant of Second Embodiment

Next, a variant of the process of the processor 73 will be described.FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a variant processing procedure ofthe processor 73. FIG. 29 differs from FIG. 25 in that steps S47 to S410are further comprised. Since there are no other differences betweenthese two flowcharts, identical step numbers are given to any steps inFIG. 29 that correspond to those in FIG. 25, and the descriptionsthereof are omitted.

In FIG. 29, in response to the receiving of a given program tablerequest R_(UPG), the processor 73 of the transmission apparatus 7generates and sends out the program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ (steps S44 andS45), and thereafter saves the presently-generated personal programtable UPG₁ or UPG₂ in a predetermined recording area (e.g., the workingarea 74) (step S410).

Thereafter, in response to the receiving of another program tablerequest R_(UPG), as described above, the processor 73 generates someunits of program identification information I_(PI) (step S44).Thereafter, the processor 73 determines whether or not there is anyprogram code PC in the area record R_(AR) selected at step S43 thatcoincides with a program code PC contained in the program table UPG₁ orUPG₂ which is saved at a previous operation of step S48 but which hasnot been selected at step S44 (step S47). In other words, it isdetermined whether or not a program P which was described in the programtable UPG₁ or UPG₂ in the previous area A is being broadcast in thecurrent area A. Hereinafter, a program P which is described in theprevious program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ but not in the current program tableUPG₁ or UPG₂ and which is broadcast in the area A will be referred to asa “sub-program P”.

If it is determined that no such sub-program P exists, the processor 73performs the steps from S44. On the other hand, if it is determined thatsuch a sub-program P exists, the processor 73 generates some units ofsub-program identification information I_(SPI) by using the relevantarea record R_(AR) (step S48). More specifically, with respect to therelevant area record R_(AR), in order to determine the sub-program Pdetermined at step S46, the processor 73 extracts, from the program DB76, a set including a broadcast channel CH, a program title PT, aprogram code PC, and a time zone TP as program identificationinformation I_(SPI). The processor 73 executes such a process withrespect to every sub-program P.

Next, at step S48, the processor 73 arranges the units of programidentification information I_(PI) generated at step S44 and the units ofsub-program identification information I_(SPI) generated at step S48 onthe working area 74 in such a manner that the time zones TP becomecontiguous, thereby generating the personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂as shown in FIG. 30 (step S49).

For example, in the case where the program table UPG₁ generated in thearea A₁ describes the program P₁ (broadcast channel CH₁, the programtitle PT₁, the program code PC₁, and the time zone TP₁), if thereception apparatus 6 moves to the area A₂, the program P₁ will bebroadcast in the time zone TP₃ by using the broadcast channel CH₃ (seeFIG. 21). Therefore, at step S48, a set including the broadcast channelCH₃, the program title PT₁, the program code PC₁, and the time zone TP₃is generated as sub-program identification information I_(SPI).Furthermore, at step S49, a program table UPG₂ containing suchsub-program identification information I_(SPI) is generated.

After step S49 as described above is completed, the processor 73 sendsthe generated personal program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ onto the mobilecommunication network 5 via the transmission/reception section 21 (stepS46). Once step S46 is completed, the process of FIG. 29 is completed.

As described above, according to the present variant, the transmissionapparatus 7 can transmit the program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ containing asub-program P to the reception apparatus 6. Therefore, the user of thereception apparatus 6 can acquire a program table UPG₁ or UPG₂ which iseasier to use.

Third Embodiment

Next, with reference to FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, an outline of a datacommunication system according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention will be described. FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram illustratingthe structure of the present data communication system. In FIG. 31, thedata communication system comprises at least one reception apparatus101, at least one transmission apparatus 102, and a plurality ofbroadcast stations 103 (only one is shown in FIG. 31). FIG. 32 is aflowchart illustrating an outline of a process which is performed by thepresent data communication system.

In FIG. 32, each broadcast station 103 transmits schedule informationI_(sch) of programs P which are broadcast by itself to the transmissionapparatus 102, via a communication network 104 such as the Internet(step S101). Using the schedule information I_(SCH) received by eachbroadcast station 103, the transmission apparatus 102 generates aprogram database (hereinafter “program DB” (Data Base)) representingbroadcast programs P which are going to be broadcast by each broadcaststation 103, with respect to each broadcast channel CH and time T whichis previously uniquely assigned to each broadcast station 103 (stepS102).

In order to enjoy a distribution service of a personal program table, auser of the reception apparatus 101 contracts an agreement with aprogram information servicing company which operates the transmissionapparatus 102. At this time, the user notifies personal information,such as his/her age, gender, occupation, hobbies, favorite programs,favorite sports, favorite celebrities, to the program informationservicing company. The program information servicing company registersthe notified personal information to a personal information database(hereinafter referred to as the “personal information DB”) in thetransmission apparatus 102. Furthermore, the program informationservicing company selects from within the notified personal informationgenres (categories) of programs P which the user is interested inviewing, generates a program viewing priority PL indicating the order ofprecedence of respective genres, and registers the generated programviewing priority PL to the personal information DB (step S103).

Next, prior to viewing a broadcast program P, the viewer operates thereception apparatus 101 in order to receive a distribution service of apersonal program table. In response to this operation, the receptionapparatus 101 requests the transmission apparatus 102 for a personalprogram table UPG via the mobile communication network 105 (step S104).

When receiving a request for a personal program table UPG, thetransmission apparatus 102 performs an authentication process toidentify the user. Furthermore, in the personal information DB, thetransmission apparatus 102 generates a personal program table UPG whichis suitable for the preferences of the user, based on the program DB andthe program viewing priority PL of the presently identified user.Thereafter, the transmission apparatus 102 transmits thepresently-generated personal program table UPG to the receptionapparatus 101 via the mobile communication network 105 (step S105).

The reception apparatus 101 receives the personal program table UPG viathe mobile communication network 105, and displays the received personalprogram table UPG. The user refers to the displayed personal programtable UPG to select a program P which the user desires to view, andperforms an operation which is necessary for a preprogramming of aviewing. As a result, in the reception apparatus 101, preprogrammedprogram information which is necessary for the preprogrammed viewing isgenerated (step S106).

When a time designated at the time of the preprogramming of a viewing isreached, the reception apparatus 101 sets itself in a state to becapable of receiving the broadcast program P from the broadcast channelCH as preprogrammed for viewing, and receives and reproduces thebroadcast program P (step S107). Thereafter, steps S104 to S107 arerepeatedly performed.

Next, with reference to FIG. 33 to FIG. 35, the broadcast station 103will be described. FIG. 33 is a block diagram illustrating a detailedstructure of each broadcast station 103 shown in FIG. 31. FIG. 34 is aschematic diagram illustrating an outline of a process which isperformed by each broadcast station 103 in FIG. 31. FIG. 35 is aschematic diagram illustrating schedule information I_(sch) which istransmitted by each broadcast station 103 in FIG. 31 to the transmissionapparatus 102.

First, as shown in FIG. 34, as generally practiced in digitalbroadcasting, a video audio stream ST_(AV) for broadcasting video andaudio and a data broadcast stream ST_(DT) for providing additionalservices employing still images and/or graphics are multiplexed by themultiplex section 3007, whereby a broadcast stream ST_(BC) isconstructed. Herein, the video audio stream ST_(AV) is composed ofheader information I_(HD) and program data D_(P) representing a programP. Such a broadcast stream ST_(BC) is broadcast as a broadcast wave fromthe broadcast station 103, by using a broadcast channel CH.

As shown in FIG. 33, the broadcast station 103 comprises: a program dataauthoring section 3004 for authoring the program data D_(P); a programdata storage section 3005 for storing program data D_(P); a programadditional information authoring section 3008 for authoring programadditional information I_(ADD); and a program additional informationstorage section 3009 for storing the program additional informationI_(ADD). The broadcast station 103 further comprises: a multiplexsection 3007 for multiplexing the stored program data D_(P) and theprogram additional information I_(ADD) under the control of a broadcastschedule management section 3006 so as to generate the broadcast streamST_(BC); a broadcast data transmission section 3010 for outputting thegenerated broadcast stream ST_(BC) as a broadcast wave to a broadcastantenna 3011; and the broadcast antenna 3011 for sending a broadcastwave onto the broadcast channel CH. The broadcast station 103 furthercomprises: a schedule information storage section 3001 for storing theschedule information I_(sch); a schedule information transmissioncontrol section (program information processing section) 3002 forexerting control over the transmission of the stored scheduleinformation I_(sch) to the transmission apparatus 102 with apredetermined timing; and a data communication section 3003 for sendingthe schedule information I_(sch) which has been read onto thecommunication network 104 under the control of the schedule informationcontrol section 3002.

As shown in FIG. 35, the schedule information I_(sch) is typicallycomposed of: a program code PC which identifies a broadcast program P; achannel code CC which identifies a broadcast channel CH; a program titlePT of the program P; a sub-title PST of the program P; a genre(category) PY of the program P; a key word KW which is necessary forsearching for the program P; a broadcast start time ST and a broadcastend time ET of the program P; names TN of people appearing in theprogram P; and sponsors SS.

Next, the transmission apparatus 102 will be described with reference toFIG. 36 to FIG. 42. FIG. 36 is a block diagram illustrating a detailedstructure of the transmission apparatus 102 shown in FIG. 31. FIG. 37 isa schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a program DBwhich is stored in the transmission apparatus 102. FIG. 38 is aschematic diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of a personalinformation DB which is stored in the transmission apparatus 102. FIG.39 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary structure of programviewing priority PL which is stored in the transmission apparatus 102.FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a programselection which is executed by the transmission apparatus 102. FIG. 41is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary program selectionprocess in FIG. 40. FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram exemplifying apersonal program table UPG which is generated by the transmissionapparatus 102.

As shown in FIG. 36, the transmission apparatus 102 receives, at aschedule information reception section 2001, the schedule informationI_(sch) which is transmitted from each broadcast station 103, and, via aschedule information processing section 2002, stores a program DB whichis capable of uniquely identifying broadcast programs P from eachbroadcast station 103 with respect to each broadcast channel CH and atime T, as shown in FIG. 37, into a program DB storage section 2003.

Prior to the distribution service of the personal program table, theuser contracts an agreement with the program information servicingcompany which operates the transmission apparatus 102, as describedabove. Thereafter, the program information servicing company registersthe personal information which was notified from the user at the time ofthe agreement in the personal information DB which is stored in apersonal information DB storage section 2007. In the third embodiment,as shown in FIG. 38, the personal information is composed of a useridentifier UID which is assigned to the user after the agreement, theuser's gender GD, age AG, occupation EM, hobby HB, the genres(categories) PY of his/her favorite programs, favorite sports FS, andfavorite celebrities (personalities) FT. As for hobbies HB, genres PY offavorite programs, favorite sports FS and favorite celebrities FT, aplurality of items are registered with an order of precedence given toeach.

As for the personal information, the user may describe it on a paperform and send it to the program information servicing company, and theprogram information servicing company may register the personalinformation in the personal information DB in accordance with thereceived paper form. Alternatively, personal information which has beeninputted by the user by operating the reception apparatus 101 may betransmitted to the transmission apparatus 102 via the mobilecommunication network 105, and at the transmission apparatus 102, thereceived personal information may be registered to the personalinformation DB via a communication control section 2004, a personalinformation input section 2005, and a personal information processingsection 2006. Alternatively, a user may directly register personalinformation to the personal information DB on a personal computer whichis connected to the communication network 104. At the time ofregistering the personal information as such, priorities are assigned tothe respective genres PY of favorites programs P of the user, and thegenre-by-genre (category-by-category) PY priority is used as the programviewing priority PL as shown in FIG. 39.

Upon receiving a request from the reception apparatus 101 for a personalprogram table UPG a program selection section 2008 identifies the user'spersonal information in the personal information DB, and then generatesa personal program table UPG from the identified personal informationand the program DB. Next, with reference to FIG. 39 to FIG. 42, theoperation of the program selection section 2008 will be described indetail. First, the program selection section 2008 sets the programviewing priority PL to a maximum value PL_(max) (e.g., “5”) (FIG. 40;step S1001).

Next, from the personal information DB, the program selection section2008 reads a genre PY having a priority that is equal to the maximumvalue PL_(max). Hereinafter, the genre PY which has been read will bereferred to as the “relevant genre PY”. Next, from the program ID, theprogram selection section 2008 searches for a program P of the relevantgenre PY in a designated time zone m, which is determined by itself(step S1002). Herein, the “designated time zone m” is defined as a timezone which is necessary for constructing the personal program table UPGFor example, if the designated time zone m is 18:00 to 23:00, a personalprogram table UPG for this duration is generated.

Next, if a program P is successfully found at step S1002 (step S1003),the program selection section 2008 places the title PT and the broadcastchannel CH of the found program P in the broadcast time zone TP on thepersonal program table UPG (step S1004). For example, in the personalinformation DB exemplified in FIG. 39, the genre PY whose programpriority PL is “5” is “movies”. In this case, the program selectionsection 2008 searches for “movies” in the designated time zone m(=18:00to 23:00) in the program DB. Then, since a movie α is going to bebroadcast on the broadcast channel CH₄ for two hours from 21:00, thefound title PT (the movie α) and the broadcast channel CH₄ are placed inthe two-hour slot from 21:00 on the personal program table UPG; as shownin (a) and (b) of FIG. 41.

If the program P cannot be found at step S1002, the program selectionsection 2008 performs step S1007.

Next, the program selection section 2008 excludes the broadcast timezone TP of the program P found at step S1002 from the searched range,thus updating the designated time zone m (step S1005). For example, ifthe movie α from 21:00 to 23:00 is selected, as shown in (c) and (d) ofFIG. 41, the designated time zone m is updated to 18:00 to 21:00,excluding the time zone from 21:00 to 23:00 in the program DB.

Next, the program selection section 2008 determines whether theremaining time of the updated designated time zone m is “0” (stepS1006). If the remaining time is “0”, the process of FIG. 40 iscompleted. If the remaining time is not “0”, the program selectionsection 2008 decrements the program viewing priority PL by “1” (stepS1007), and if the updated program viewing priority PL is PL>0 (stepS1008), steps S1002 to S1008 are repeated. In the above example, sincePL is updated so that PL=5−1=4 at step S1006, in the current run ofsteps S1002 to S1007, the programs P in the genre PY whose programviewing priority PL is “4” (i.e., “documentary”) are searched for atstep S1002 with respect to the range defined by the designated time zonem(=18:00 to 21:00). Then, since a documentary program β is found in aone-hour zone from 19:00 on the broadcast channel CH₃, the found titlePT (the documentary β) and the broadcast channel CH₃ are placed at stepS1004 in a one-hour slot from 19:00 on the personal program table UPG,as shown in the lower portion of FIG. 41.

The program selection section 2008 repeatedly executes steps S1002 toS1008 until the program viewing priority PL becomes “0” at step S1008.As a result, as shown in FIG. 42, a personal program table UPG isgenerated that includes a program, which has been selected from amongthe programs P which are broadcast on the plurality of broadcastchannels CH based on the user's favorite genres PY, placed in each timezone TP. The generated personal program table UPG is sent from thecommunication control section 2004 onto the mobile communication network105 via a program table transmission section 2011. The above process ofFIG. 40 may also be applied to step S44 in the second embodiment.

Next, referring to FIG. 43, the reception apparatus 101 will bedescribed. FIG. 43 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed structureof the reception apparatus 101. In FIG. 43, a broadcast wave from eachbroadcast station 103 is inputted from an antenna 1001 to a tuner 1002.After the tuner 1002 receives and demodulates the inputted broadcastwave, it is separated by a separation section 1003 into a video streamST_(V) and an audio stream ST_(A) composing the program data D_(P) and adata broadcast stream ST_(DT), as shown in FIG. 34. The audio streamST_(A) is decoded by an audio reproduction section 1005 so as to bereproduced as an audio signal, and is then outputted by a loudspeaker1006 as audio. The video stream ST_(V) is decoded by a videoreproduction section 1007, so as to be reproduced as a video signal. Thedata broadcast stream ST_(DT) is reproduced by the data processingsection 1008 as a video signal of a service screen which is expressed bystill images and/or graphics. Thereafter, both video signals ST_(V) andST_(DT) are synthesized by a display synthesis section 1009, and arethen outputted by a display section 1010 as video. On the other hand,the personal program table UPG which has been transmitted from thetransmission apparatus 102 is inputted from an antenna for mobile phones1017 to a system control section 1004, via a mobile phone section 1016.The system control section 1004 constructs the personal program tableUPG in a format supporting the display section 1010. The above personalprogram table UPG is subjected, by the display synthesis section 1009,to a synthesis with the video signal representing the program, orswitching, and is thereafter displayed by the display section 1010.

Now, referring to FIG. 44, an exemplary displayed image of the personalprogram table UPG in the reception apparatus 101 will be described. Asshown in (a) of FIG. 44, from the transmission apparatus 102, thereception apparatus 101 receives m hours of personal program table UPG(five hours of such is illustrated in (a) of FIG. 44), including thecurrent time. As shown in (b) of FIG. 44, from the m hours of personalprogram table UPG n hours, i.e., a time which is displayable on thereception apparatus 101, of personal program table UPG (where m>n, twohours of such is illustrated in (b) of FIG. 44) is displayed by thedisplay section 1010, being switched from the video of the program P bythe synthesis section 1009. In order to display any extent of timebeyond the currently-displayed time slot of personal program table UPGthe user operates scroll keys of a key input section 1014 of thereception apparatus 101 so as to allow the relevant portion of thepersonal program table UPG to be displayed on the display section 1010,while moving the n hours of the displayed slot up and down.

The above description in reference to (b) of FIG. 44 illustrates a casewhere the video of the program P and the personal program table UPG areswitched for display; however, as shown in FIG. 44( c), the n hours ofslot out of the personal program table UPG may be displayed on thedisplay section 1010 so as to come below the video of the program P, assynthesized by the display synthesis section 1009. In order to displayany extent of time beyond the currently-displayed time slot of personalprogram table UPQ the user operates scroll keys in the up and downdirections as above. FIG. 44 illustrates the personal program table UPGas being synthesized below the video of the program P, based on theassumption that the display section 1010 has a portrait-type screen;however, the personal program table UPG may be synthesized so as to bedisplayed to the side of the video of the program P.

In the above description, the personal program table UPG is constructedof text information. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto. Any image or music which identifies programs P may be added.For example, as shown in FIG. 45, title image data D_(TYI) of a logo ora representative still image for each program P, or title music dataD_(TYA) representing a portion of a theme song that is played in eachprogram P may be added to the schedule information I_(sch) which istransmitted from the broadcast station 103 to the transmission apparatus102. According to the earlier-described procedure, the transmissionapparatus 102 adds the aforementioned title image data D_(TYI) and/ortitle music data D_(TYA) to the personal program table UPG which isgenerated for the user, and transmits it to the reception apparatus 101.The reception apparatus 101 displays the personal program table UPG, andafter reproducing, by means of the system control section 1004, thetitle image data D_(TYI) which is assigned to the program P that hasbeen designated by the user on the personal program table UPG,synthesizes it with the personal program table UPG by means of thedisplay synthesis section 1009, and outputs the synthesized image fromthe display section 1010, as exemplified in FIG. 46. Furthermore, in thereception apparatus 101, the system control section 1004 sends the titlemusic data D_(TYA) to the audio reproduction section 1005, the audioreproduction section 1005 reproduces an audio signal from the titlemusic data D_(TYA), and the loudspeaker 1006 outputs audio in accordancewith the reproduced audio signal, as exemplified in FIG. 46. Bydisplaying and/or outputting the title image data D_(TYI) and/or titlemusic data D_(TYA) as such, an easier-to-use personal program table UPGcan be provided.

When the user views a program P that is preprogrammed by referring tothe personal program table UPG, the user operates the keys of the keyinput section 1014 to select a program P which is the subject ofpreprogrammed viewing. Through such an operation, preprogrammed programinformation I_(RP) as shown in FIG. 47, which is composed of apreprogramming type RT identifying preprogramming of a viewing orpreprogramming of a recording, a program code PC, a channel code CC, aprogram title PT, a broadcast start time ST, and a broadcast end timeET, is generated and memorized in a memory 1012; and an operation starttime AST, which is obtained by subtracting a predetermined preparationtime from a broadcast start time ST, is set in a clock 1015. Herein, thepreparation time is a wait time for the reception apparatus 101, whichis in a standby state, to become capable of receiving a program byturning ON those components which are necessary for program reception,e.g., the tuner 1002 and the video reproduction section 1007.

When the time for preprogrammed viewing is reached, an interrupt signalis generated from the clock 1015, the preprogrammed program informationI_(RP) in the memory 1012 is read, a source voltage is fed to therespective components which are necessary for program reception, and thereceiving channel of the tuner 1002 is set to the channel code CC whichis described in the preprogrammed program information I_(RP). As aresult, the reception apparatus 101 becomes capable of receivingprograms. Thereafter, if the preprogramming type RT described in thepreprogrammed program information I_(RP) is preprogramming of a viewing,the reception apparatus 101 generates an alarm sound indicating that theviewing time has been reached, thereby prompting the user to view theprogram. Because of this alarm sound, the user operates a viewing buttonof the key input section 1014, to which a viewing commencing function isassigned. As a result, the display section 1010 becomes capable ofdisplaying, so that the user is able to view the program P which hasbeen preprogrammed for viewing. Also, in the case of preprogramming of arecording, through a similar procedure to that in the case of thepreprogramming of a viewing, a program P which has been preprogrammedfor recording by the user is recorded in the reception apparatus 101.

In the above-described third embodiment, the reception apparatus 101controls preprogrammed viewing or preprogrammed recording with thepreprogrammed program information I_(RP) being memorized in the memory1012; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. It ispossible to control the preprogrammed viewing or preprogrammed recordingin the reception apparatus 101 from the transmission apparatus 102. Forexample, when the user has performed an operation which is necessary forpreprogrammed viewing or preprogrammed recording, a program code PCidentifying the designated program P and a preprogramming type RT aretransmitted to the transmission apparatus 102, and the transmissionapparatus 102 stores the received program code PC and the preprogrammingtype RT in the personal information DB. As a result, the transmissionapparatus 102 can recognize a broadcast start time ST of the program Pwhich has been has been subjected to preprogrammed viewing orpreprogrammed recording. The transmission apparatus 102 transmits, tothe reception apparatus 101, the channel code CC, the broadcast starttime ST and the broadcast end time ET as preprogrammed programinformation I_(RP), immediately before a time which is obtained bysubtracting the preparation time in the reception apparatus 101 from thebroadcast start time ST. In accordance with the received preprogrammedprogram information I_(RP), the reception apparatus 101 performs aprocess necessary for the viewing or recording of the relevant programP, through an operation similar to the above.

Although the transmission apparatus 102 in the third embodimentgenerates a personal program table UPG based on a user's favorite genres(categories) PT, the present invention is not limited thereto. Asdescribed in the prior art section, a personal program table UPG may begenerated based on a frequency with which a broadcast program P has beensubjected to preprogrammed viewing or preprogrammed recording.

Although the title image data D_(TYI) and/or title music data D_(TYA)are displayed and/or outputted in the above-described third embodiment,the present invention is not limited thereto. These may be replaced byprogram advertisement data representing an advertisement for a programP. Although such title image data D_(TYI), title music data D_(TYA), andprogram advertisement data may be added to the aforementioned personalprogram table UPG, the present invention is not limited thereto. Datarepresenting the existence of title image data D_(TYI), title music dataD_(TYA), and program advertisement data may be added to the personalprogram table UPG; whereas the title image data D_(TYI), the title musicdata D_(TYA), and the program advertisement data may be stored in thetransmission apparatus 102, and the reception apparatus 101 and thetransmission apparatus 102 may be constructed so that, upon referring tothe personal program table UPG, if necessary, the user downloads thetitle image data D_(TYI), the title music data D_(TYA), and the programadvertisement data from the transmission apparatus 102.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, an outline of a data communication system according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the outlineof the structure and process of the data communication system accordingto the fourth embodiment are similar to those according to the thirdembodiment (see FIG. 31 and FIG. 32), the descriptions thereof areomitted. However, the transmission apparatus 102 of the fourthembodiment differs in that a personal program table UPG which isdifferent from that of the third embodiment is generated at step S105.Specifically, in the third embodiment, a personal program table UPG isgenerated based on a user's favorite genres (categories) PT, but thetransmission apparatus 102 may not be able to find a program P matchingany favorite genre PT. In such a case, the corresponding time zone TP onthe personal program table UPG will be empty. In order to address thisproblem, according to the fourth embodiment, a program RP recommended bythe broadcast station 103 is incorporated into an empty time zone TP onthe personal program table UPG for transmission to the receptionapparatus 101 of the user.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 48 to FIG. 50, a method for incorporatinga recommended program RP in a program selection section 2008 of thetransmission apparatus 102 will be described. FIG. 48 is a schematicdiagram illustrating an exemplary structure of schedule informationI_(sch), including a recommended program RP, transmitted from thebroadcast station 103. FIG. 49 is a flowchart illustrating a processingprocedure of a program selection section 2008 according to the fourthembodiment. FIG. 50 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplarypersonal program table UPG which is generated by the program selectionsection 2008.

In FIG. 48, the schedule information I_(sch) further contains, inaddition to the information shown in FIG. 35, a recommended program codeRPC for identifying the recommended program RP, as well as a targetgender TGD, a target age slot TAG, and a target occupation TEMindicating a class of users to which it is recommended.

FIG. 49 differs from FIG. 32 in that steps S1009 to S1014 are furthercomprised. Since there are no other differences between these twoflowcharts, identical step numbers are given to any steps in FIG. 49that correspond to those in FIG. 32, and the descriptions thereof areomitted.

Next to step S1008, the program selection section 2008 determineswhether or not the remaining time in a designated time zone m is “0”(step S1009). For example, if the program DB is as shown in (a) of FIG.50, in the process down to step S1008, the program selection section2008 is unable to select a program P to place in a time zone from 20:00to 21:00 in the designated time zone m, as shown in (b) of FIG. 50.

If it is determined that there is remaining time in the designated timezone m, the program selection section 2008 determines whether or not arecommended program RP exists in the designated time zone m by referringto the recommended program codes RPC in the program DB (step S1010). Ifno recommended program RP exists in the designated time zone m, theprocess of FIG. 49 is completed.

Now, it is assumed that the program DB is as shown in (c) of FIG. 50,and that a drama γ on the broadcast channel CH₁ is a recommended programRP. Under this assumption, it is determined at step S1010 that arecommended program RP exists, and the program selection section 2008determines from the program DB whether the target gender TGD, the targetage slot TAG, and the target occupation TEM match the user's gender GD,age AG, and EM as stored in the personal information DB (step S1011).

If step S1011 determines non-matching, the program selection section2008 leaves the designated time zone m empty (step S1013). On the otherhand, if matching is determined, as shown in (d) of FIG. 50, the programselection section 2008 places the title PT (the drama γ) and thebroadcast channel CH₁ of the recommended program RP in a one-hour slotfrom 20:00 on the personal program table UPG (step S1012).

Next, the program selection section 2008 excludes the broadcast timezone TP of the recommended program RP which is found at step S1010 fromthe searched range, thus updating the designated time zone m (stepS1014). The program selection section 2008 repeatedly performs stepsS1009 to S1014 until the designated time zone m becomes “0” at stepS1009. As a result, as shown in (d) of FIG. 50, a personal program tableUPG is generated, with the recommended program RP being placed in theempty time zone TP. Such a process of FIG. 49 may also be applied tostep S44 in the second embodiment.

As described above, by describing a program RP which is recommended bythe broadcast station 103 in the personal program table UPG, thetransmission apparatus 102 (i.e., a program information servicingcompany) can allure the user to the program RP which is recommended bythe broadcast station 103, possibly contributing to an improved ratingthereof. As a result, the program information servicing company candirect its business in such a manner as to bill the broadcast station103. Moreover, the recommended program RP may not be in line with thepreferences of the user, contrary to the purpose of the personal programtable UPG. Therefore, it is preferable that the transmission apparatus102 transmits a title PT and a broadcast channel CH of a recommendedprogram RP along with information (e.g., a color or identification mark)which enables distinction over the others on the personal program tableUPG.

Fifth Embodiment

Next, an outline of a data communication system according to a fifthembodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the outlineof the structure and process of the data communication system accordingto the fifth embodiment are similar to those according to the thirdembodiment (see FIG. 31 and FIG. 32), the descriptions thereof areomitted. However, the transmission apparatus 102 of the fifth embodimentdiffers in that a personal program table UPG, which is different fromthat of the third embodiment, is generated at step S105. Specifically,in a personal program table UPG according to the third embodiment, aprogram P which is expected to be the one which a user desires to viewthe most is placed in each time zone TP. Such a personal program tableUPG has a problem in that the user cannot refer to other programs P. Inorder to address this, in the fifth embodiment, a transmission apparatus102 is realized which can provide a personal program table UPG such thata plurality of programs P are placed in one time zone TP of the personalprogram table UPG.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 51 to FIG. 53, a method for incorporatinga plurality of programs P by a program selection section 2008 of thetransmission apparatus 102 will be described. FIG. 51 is a flowchartillustrating a processing procedure of the program selection section2008. FIG. 52 is a schematic diagram illustrating a searched extent in aprogram DB during a process of FIG. 51. FIG. 53 is a schematic diagramillustrating an exemplary personal program table UPG which is generatedby the process of FIG. 51.

The program selection section 2008 sets the program viewing priority PLto a maximum value PL_(max) (e.g., 5)(FIG. 51; step S2001). The programselection section 2008 reads, from the personal information DB, a genre(category) PY which is assigned with a priority that matches the maximumvalue PL_(max) thus set. Hereinafter, the genre PY which is read herewill be referred to as the “relevant genre PY”. Next, the programselection section 2008 searches the program DB for a program P which isa primary prospect of a relevant genre PY in a designated time zone m(see the third embodiment), which is determined by itself (step S2002).

Next, if a primary prospective program P has been found at step S2002(step S2003), the program selection section 2008 places a title PT and abroadcast channel CH of the found program P in a primary prospect slot,at a broadcast time zone TP, on the personal program table UPG (stepS2004). For example, in the personal information DB exemplified in (a)of FIG. 52, a genre PY whose program priority PL is “5” is “movies”. Inthis case, the program selection section 2008 searches for “movies” inthe designated time zone m(=18:00 to 23:00) in the program DB. Then,since the movie α is going to be broadcast on the broadcast channel CH₄during the two hours from 21:00, the found title PT (the movie α) andthe broadcast channel CH₄ are placed in the two-hour slot from 21:00 onthe personal program table UPG, as shown in (b) of FIG. 53.

If no program P was found at step S2002, the program selection section2008 decrements the program viewing priority PL by one (step S2006). Ifthe resultant program viewing priority PL is such that PL>0 (stepS2007), step S2002 is again performed. If it is not that PL>0, stepS2015 (described below) will be performed.

Next to step S2004, the program selection section 2008 sets a searchedextent, which is the broadcast time zone TP of the program P found atstep S2002 excluding the broadcast channel CH of the found program P(step S2005). For example, if the movie α from 21:00 to 23:00 isselected, as shown in (a) of FIG. 52, a searched extent (within thedotted line) which is the time zone from 21:00 to 23:00 in the programDB excluding the broadcast channel CH₄ will be set.

Next, from the personal information DB, the program selection section2008 reads a genre PY which is assigned with a priority matching thecurrent program viewing priority PL. Hereinafter, the genre PY matchingthe program viewing priority PL will be referred to as the “relevantgenre PY”. Next, within the searched extent set at step S2005, theprogram selection section 2008 searches the program DB for a program Pof the relevant genre PY (step S2008).

If a program P of the relevant genre PY is found at step S2008 (stepS2009), it is regarded as a secondary prospective program P, and thetitle PT and the broadcast channel CH of the found program P are placedin the secondary prospect slot on the personal program table UPG (stepS2010).

The secondary prospective program P which is found at the first run ofstep S2009 has a program viewing priority PL matching that of theaforementioned primary prospective program P. However, in the example of(a) of FIG. 52, any program P having the current program viewingpriority PL(=5), i.e., a program P of the relevant genre PY, cannot befound in the searched extent which is currently set. If a program P ofthe relevant genre PY cannot be found at step S2009 like this, theprogram selection section 2008 decrements the program viewing priorityPL by one (step S2012). If the resultant program viewing priority PL issuch that PL>0 (step S2013), step S2008 is again performed. Therefore,at step S2008, the program selection section 2008 searches the currentsearched extent for a program P of the relevant genre PY whichcorresponds to the current program viewing priority PL, or the programselection section 2008 repeats the series of processes of steps S2008,S2009, S2012, and S2013 until the program viewing priority PL reaches“0”.

If it is not that PL>0 at step S2013, the program selection section 2008performs step S2011.

If a secondary prospective program P is found through the above process,the program selection section 2008 places the title PT and the broadcastchannel CH of the found program P in a secondary prospect slot, at abroadcast time zone TP, on the personal program table UPG (step S2010).Next, the program selection section 2008 excludes the broadcast timezone TP of the program P which is found at step S2009 from the searchedrange, thus updating the searched extent (step S2011). For example, ifthe movie α from 21:00 to 23:00 is selected, as shown in (a) of FIG. 53,the searched extent is updated to 21:30 to 23:00, thereby excluding the30-minute slot (within the dotted line) from 21:00 to 21:30 in theprogram DB.

Next, the program selection section 2008 determines whether or not theremaining time in the searched extent is “0” (step S2014), and if it isnot “0”, returns to step S2008 to repeat the process from step S2008 toS2014 so as to search the current searched extent for a program Pcorresponding to the current program viewing priority PL.

If step S2014 finds that the remaining time is “0”, the programselection section 2008 excludes the broadcast time zone TP of theprogram P which is found at step S2003 from the searched range, thusupdating the designated time zone m (step S2015). Next, the programselection section 2008 determines whether or not the remaining time inthe designated time zone m is “0” (step S2016), and if the remainingtime is not “0”, returns to step S2001 to search the updated designatedtime zone m for primary prospective and secondary prospective programs Pand place them in the personal program table UPG. If step S2016 findsthat the remaining time is “0”, it is determined that a personal programtable UPG as shown in (a) of FIG. 54 has been completed, and the processof FIG. 51 is completed. The above process of FIG. 51 may also beapplied to step S44 in the second embodiment.

As described above, the reception apparatus 101 receives m hours ofpersonal program table UPG, including the current time, in which primaryprospective and secondary prospective programs P are placed. Within thereceived personal program table UPG, the reception apparatus 101switches the n hours which the reception apparatus 101 is capable ofdisplaying (n<m, e.g., 1)×the primary prospective program P from thevideo of the program P by means of the display synthesis section 1009,and displays it on the display section 1010 as shown in (b) of FIG. 54.If the user wishes to display any time beyond the currently-displayedtime zone, the user operates the scroll keys of the key input section1014 to cause the relevant portion to be displayed on the displaysection 1010, as described earlier. When wishing to view the secondaryprospect, the user operates a right key of the key input section 1014.As a result, as shown in (c) of FIG. 54, the display section 1010displays the secondary prospect.

Sixth Embodiment

Next, an outline of a data communication system according to a sixthembodiment of the present invention will be described. Since thestructure of the data communication system according to the sixthembodiment is similar to that according to the third embodiment (seeFIG. 31), the descriptions thereof are omitted. FIG. 55 is a flowchartillustrating an outline of a process which is performed by the datacommunication system of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 55 differs from FIG.32 in that steps S401 to S403 are further comprised. Since there are noother differences between these two flowcharts, identical step numbersare given to any steps in FIG. 55 that correspond to those in FIG. 32,and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

After step S106, the system control section 1004 determines whether ornot the broadcast time zone TP of a program P which has beenpreprogrammed for viewing at step S106 overlaps a schedule (see (a) inFIG. 56) of the user which is memorized in the memory 1012 by ascheduler comprised in the reception apparatus 101 (step S401). If thereis no overlap, the preprogramming of a viewing at step S106 isdetermined to be valid, and step S107 as described above is performed.

On the other hand, if the broadcast time zone TP overlaps the schedule,the user cannot view the program P which has been preprogrammed forviewing, and therefore, the system control section 1004 changes thepreprogramming type RT in the preprogrammed program information I_(RP)from preprogramming of a viewing to preprogrammed recording (step S402).For example, although a documentary program δ which is going to bebroadcast from 19:00 is preprogramming of a viewing in (b) of FIG. 56,this broadcast time zone TP overlaps the schedule shown in (a) of FIG.56. Therefore, as shown in (c) of FIG. 56, the documentary program δ ischanged to be a subject of preprogrammed for viewing. The system controlsection 1004 records the program P which has thus been changed to bepreprogrammed for recording in accordance with the updated preprogrammedprogram information I_(RP) (step S403). Thus, since the receptionapparatus 101 automatically changes from preprogramming of a viewing topreprogramming of a recording, the user will not miss the program Pwhich has been preprogrammed for viewing due to his/her own schedule,and can view it later.

The above-described sixth embodiment may be arranged so that, if auser's schedule has been inputted when a preprogramming of a viewing ismade, the system control section 1004 warns the user of such.

While the present invention has been described in detail, the foregoingdescription is in all aspects illustrative and not restrictive. It is tobe understood that numerous other modifications and variations can bedevised without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1. A transmission apparatus operable to communicate with a receptionapparatus which is constructed to be operable to receive a programwithin a broadcast area, the transmission apparatus comprising: areception section operable to receive position information indicating acurrent position of the reception apparatus; a program DB storagesection operable to store a broadcast program database at leastcontaining a broadcast channel, a broadcast time zone and a programtitle for a predetermined broadcast area; a generation section operableto, based on the position information and the broadcast programdatabase, select one program for each time zone and generate a personalprogram table, by using the selected program, which is created based onpersonal data of a user of the reception apparatus, and a transmissionsection operable to transmit the personal program table to the receptionapparatus.
 2. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a personal information DB storage section operable to store apersonal information database containing user information of thereception apparatus, wherein said generation section, based on theposition information, the broadcast program database and the userinformation, is operable to select one program for each time zone, andgenerate the personal program table by using the selected program. 3.The transmission apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: said personalinformation DB storage section is further operable to store priorityinformation; and said generation section, in accordance with thepriority information, is operable to select another program for eachtime zone, and generate the personal program table by using eachselected program.
 4. The transmission apparatus according to claim 3,wherein the priority information is assigned with respect to a categoryof each broadcast program.
 5. The transmission apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a first determination section operable todetermine , based on the position information, whether or not thereception apparatus has moved from a broadcast area to another broadcastarea, wherein said generation section is operable to generate thepersonal program table when said first determination section determinesthat the reception apparatus has moved between the broadcast areas. 6.The transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising afirst determination section operable to determine , based on theposition information, whether or not the reception apparatus has movedfrom a broadcast area to another broadcast area, wherein: said receptionsection is further operable to receive a broadcast channel and a programcode which are preprogrammed program information identifying a programwhich has been preprogrammed for viewing or preprogrammed for recordingand being generated at the reception apparatus; said generation sectionis operable to generate, when said first determination sectiondetermines that the reception apparatus has moved between broadcastareas, notice data indicating that it is necessary to correct thepreprogrammed program information based on the position information andthe broadcast program database; and said transmission section isoperable to transmit the notice data to the reception apparatus.
 7. Thetransmission apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the notice datafurther contains a broadcast channel of the program which is the targetof the preprogramming for viewing or preprogramming for recording in theother broadcast area.
 8. The transmission apparatus according to claim7, wherein the notice data further contains a broadcast start time and abroadcast end time of the program which is the target of thepreprogramming for viewing or preprogramming for recording in the otherbroadcast area.
 9. The transmission apparatus according to claim 1,wherein: said reception section is further operable to receive abroadcast channel and a program code which are preprogrammed programinformation identifying a program which has been preprogrammed forviewing or preprogrammed for recording and being generated at thereception apparatus; said transmission apparatus further comprises: afirst determination section operable to determine, based on the positioninformation, whether or not the reception apparatus has moved from abroadcast area to another broadcast area, and a second determinationsection operable to , if said first determination section determinesthat the reception apparatus has moved between the broadcast areas,determine whether or not the program which is identified by the programcode is broadcast in the other broadcast area; and said generationsection is operable to generate, if said second determination sectiondetermines that the same program identified by the program code is notbroadcast in the other broadcast area, notice data containing abroadcast start time and a broadcast end time of a substitute program toreplace the program which is the target of the preprogramming forviewing or reprogramming for recording.
 10. The transmission apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein: said reception section is furtheroperable to receive a broadcast channel and a program code which arepreprogrammed program information identifying a program which has beenpreprogrammed for viewing or preprogrammed for recording and beinggenerated at the reception apparatus, said transmission apparatusfurther comprises: a first determination section operable to determine ,based on the position information, whether or not the receptionapparatus has moved from a broadcast area to another broadcast area, anda second determination section operable to , if said first determinationsection determines that the reception apparatus has moved between thebroadcast areas, determine whether or not the program which isidentified by the program code is broadcast in the other broadcast area,and said generation section is operable to generate, if said seconddetermination section determines that the same program identified by theprogram code is not broadcast in the other area, a command containing abroadcast channel, a program code, a broadcast start time, and abroadcast end time of the program which is the target of thepreprogramming for viewing or preprogramming for recording; and saidtransmission section is operable to transmit the command to an externalstationary type video recording apparatus.
 11. A transmission method fortransmitting data to a reception apparatus which is constructed tooperable to receive a program within a broadcast area, the transmissionmethod comprising: receiving position information indicating a currentposition of the reception apparatus; selecting, based on the positioninformation and a broadcast program database at least containing abroadcast channel, a broadcast time zone, and a program title in apredetermined area, one program for each time zone; generating apersonal program table by using the program selected in said selecting,which is created based on personal data of a user of the receptionapparatus and transmitting the personal program table generated in saidgenerating to the reception apparatus.
 12. A reception apparatusconstructed to operable to receive a broadcast program and communicatewith a transmission apparatus which provides information regarding thebroadcast program, the reception apparatus comprising: a userinformation transmission section operable to receive a input of userinformation of a user operating the reception apparatus, andtransmitting the user information to the transmission apparatus; atransmission section operable to transmit position informationindicating a current position to the transmission apparatus; a receptionsection operable to receive a personal program table, which isdesignated for the user operating the reception apparatus and which isgenerated based on the transmitted user information and the positioninformation, and which is created based on personal data of the user;and an output section operable to output the personal program tablereceived from said reception section, wherein the received personalprogram table is set with one program for a time zone.